Looking back, looking ahead

A message from the Interim Provost, Professor Zlatko Skrbis:

Dear colleagues,

As 2020 draws to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for the commitment you have demonstrated over the past year.

This has undoubtedly been a difficult time, but amidst the whirlwind of COVID-19-induced upheaval, you have all shown that ACU staff are capable of facing adversity head-on. Despite the hurdles we have had to contend with, you have all proven yourselves to be adaptable and resilient.

I pray that 2021 will be a year of greater stability and certainty, but regardless of what it brings, I am confident that together we have the strength and determination to rise to the challenge.

Since my time as Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Innovation) is drawing to a close, I wish to take a moment to express my appreciation to the staff in my portfolio for the support they have given me over the past two years. I acknowledge your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to embrace change. I look forward to watching the portfolio continue to grow and flourish under the leadership of its new Provost.

Thank you to the individual staff members and teams from across the university who have worked so collaboratively and effectively with the portfolio on a variety of critical and innovative projects. I am grateful for your support and I am proud of the impressive outcomes we’ve been able to achieve together.

May I also extend my appreciation to Professor Michelle Campbell, who left ACU last week. Professor Campbell has been part of the ACU community for more than 30 years and most recently served as Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences. I thank her for her long and productive service to the university and I wish her all the very best for the future.

Our Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Greg Craven, is also leaving us. For 13 years, he has been a strong and devoted leader. Under his stewardship, the university has gone from strength to strength and he will be truly missed.

Vice-Chancellor, you have made ACU what it is today – a dynamic and vibrant community which is focused on delivering excellence in Catholic higher education. We thank you for your dedication, your wisdom, and your unwavering commitment to mission.

As the university’s next Vice-Chancellor, I understand that I have very large shoes to fill, but I will work tirelessly to honour Professor Craven’s legacy by maintaining the impressive trajectory of institutional success that he has set in motion.

I wish you and your families a safe and peaceful Christmas.

With prayers and best wishes,

Professor Zlatko Skrbis
Interim Provost