Chris Moran will take over in “the coming months”

Chancellor James Harris announced the appointment Friday. Professor Moran will move from DVC R at Curtin U.

He picks up a chalice that may not be entirely poisoned. The university community and council are deeply divided, with criticism of Mr Harris and council over backing previous vice chancellor Bridget Heywood’s university restructure.

Mr Harris was also criticised over initial support for Professor Heywood immediately before she resigned after being charged with assault. Professor Heywood denies the charge, which is scheduled for court mention on May 16.

Council has rejected calls for Mr Harris to resign (CMM December 5, 14 2022 and February 23 2023). .

In an apparent move to reduce tensions, acting VC Simon Evans, summoned the UNE convocation, consisting of graduates and most staff, late last year. That meeting called for a standing committee of convocation, “including strong staff representation” to meet at least twice annually (CMM December 5 2022). Council has accepted this.

Which means Professor Moran will take over a university with a council, and what in in all but  name an official opposition. As President of the UNE professors association Thomas Fudge put it in February, “(it) does not want to see our institution embroiled in counter-productive conflict. … A better path forward is possible if Council abandons its defensive and arrogant mode of operating, to engage in genuine dialogue and cooperative endeavours.” (CMM February 23).