Jim McDowell will stand down as chancellor of the University of South Australia, prior to becoming head of the SA department of premier and cabinet, in September. He is expected to leave the university at its August 16 Council meeting.

Mr McDowell has been chancellor at UniSA since the start of 2016. Until a replacement is in place one of the two pro chancellors is expected to act, either former state minister John Hill or minex executive Pauline Carr.

The  announcement is not opportune for merger talks between UniSA and the University of Adelaide, announced last month. While Mr McDowell and his UniAdelaide equivalent, Kevin Scarce jointly announced the  talks, Rear Admiral Scarce is thought to be especially keen on a combination. With a joint-report on a possible merger due at year end Mr McDowell’s absence will be missed as work on the proposal picks up pace.