Murdoch flags departure of acting VC

Romy Lawson is set to leave Murdoch University at the end of this year, ​just two months after she started as acting vice-chancellor.

Professor Lawson, who joined Murdoch in 2016, will move to Adelaide where she will serve as deputy vice-chancellor of students for Flinders University.

She said she was fascinated by how people learned and how to create effective learning environments that motivated people to develop.

Professor Lawson added that she had been impressed with the univeristy's student investment decisions, culture and values.

"These are personally important to me, and Flinders is making great progress in this regard; that’s something I want to be a part of growing and developing,” she said.

In an email to staff sent to Murdoch's staff earlier today, acting chancellor Ross Holt, who is filling in for Gary Smith, commended Professor Lawson’s achievements, particularly her efforts to create a $8.5 million student support package at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Following the departure of vice-chancellor Eeva Leinonen at the end of July, Professor Lawson stepped into the role of interim vice-chancellor and she has worked hard to connect with people across the university,” he said.

“She has dedicated herself over the remainder of 2021 to actions related to the staff experience and engagement survey and, along with the senior executive group, has identified priority areas for change."

Murdoch is continuing its search for a new vice-chancellor and is assessing the need for an interim vice-chancellor following Professor Lawson’s departure.