Honouring a legacy of leadership

A message from the Interim Provost, Professor Zlatko Skrbis:

Dear colleagues,

In the days since the death of the esteemed Hon John Fahey AC, GCSG, I have reflected on my personal encounters with a man who was authentic, humble and generous to his core. Mr Fahey’s extremely passionate and dedicated approach to leadership was nowhere more evident to me than in the way he persevered through illness to ensure the successful appointment of a new Vice-Chancellor for ACU. In the face of great adversity, Mr Fahey continued to be fully engaged in and committed to this recruitment process; his approach to the responsibilities of leadership is worthy of respect and emulation. It is incumbent upon ACU as a university to honour Mr Fahey’s legacy of leadership by continuing our commitment to delivering high-quality Catholic education and to developing graduates with empathy and integrity.

Blacktown Campus

Last week ACU signed a letter of intent with the Patrician Brothers’ College in Blacktown, to initiate a partnership of mutual benefit. By sharing our resources, facilities and professional expertise, we can extend our capacity to provide educational opportunities and experiences which benefit the richly diverse local community. With the opening of our new campus, people who live in Blacktown and surrounds will soon have an accessible pathway from high school to tertiary education (including professional experience) and ultimately to a successful career – all within their local community. The partnership with Patrician Brothers’ College exemplifies the type of relationship we want to harness in Blacktown and reminds us of the purpose of a Catholic university: to serve the common good and to create a better future through education.

Above: Principal Leader, Patrician Brothers’ College, and ACU Interim Provost Zlatko Skrbis.

Graduate Outcomes Survey results

Our students should feel confident about their professional futures and affirmed in their choice of university in light of the recently published results of the 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey. ACU has topped the list of Australian universities with the highest full-time employment rates for undergraduates three years after graduating, as well as for full-time employment outcomes for postgraduate coursework students. This outstanding achievement is largely attributable to the dedication and hard work of all ACU staff. We should feel proud of the tangible difference that the university makes to the lives of our students and alumni, particularly in this time of increasing job and skills shortages nationally and globally.

Best wishes,

Professor Zlatko Skrbis
Interim Provost