Professor Barney Glover AO concludes term as Vice-Chancellor in 2024

Professor Barney Glover AO has announced he will not seek reappointment as Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University when his term ends in 2024 after more than a decade of outstanding and exemplary service to the University.

A distinguished academic leader, accomplished mathematician and mathematics educator, and experienced Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glover held roles as Vice-Chancellor of Charles Darwin University and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at the University of Newcastle before joining Western.

Professor Glover commenced as the University’s fourth Vice-Chancellor in January 2014. The University has grown its reputation in research impact and student success through Professor Glover’s bold and decisive leadership across his decade-long tenure – a period that includes rolling sector-wide reforms and the global disruption of COVID.

The University’s international reputation and outlook has expanded rapidly under Professor Glover’s direction, with transnational education partnerships in Indonesia and Vietnam. At the same time, the University has remained of and for its region.

“Professor Glover has been a fierce and effective advocate for western Sydney,” said Western Sydney University Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AO.

“This advocacy is backed by a bold and transformative infrastructure program. Through Western Growth, our Vice-Chancellor has shaped city centres across western Sydney and enlivened new economic futures for the people of the region.”

Professor Glover said it continues to be an honour to lead Western Sydney University.

“I am proud of the things we have done together for this University and western Sydney. We have become a more engaged and ambitious institution, both for ourselves and for our communities,” said Professor Glover.

“Our research reputation, orientation to the community, investment in our people and place, and our abiding focus on students, have guided us through the challenges of the past decade.” 

Professor Westacott commended Professor Glover for creating a strong foundation for the University’s future success, growth and innovation.

“Professor Glover’s positive impact on this institution, and the tertiary sector, is impossible to quantify – and ongoing,” said Professor Westacott.

“There will be time to celebrate his substantial legacy across a decade of service, including the rapid rise of western Sydney’s tertiary attainment and economic prosperity, and the University’s remarkable ranking of number one in the world for its social, economic and environmental impact in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for the second consecutive year.

“For now, the University’s ambitious transformation and international campus programs, in addition to navigating the implementation of the Accord, will require and benefit from the experience and leadership of our Vice-Chancellor.”

Professor Westacott highlighted that Professor Glover’s influence has extended well beyond western Sydney.

“His voice is sector-shaping,” said Professor Westacott. “Professor Glover’s judgement and leadership will continue to be needed both at Western and in tertiary education. ”

In addition to his commitment to the University, Professor Glover is currently a member of the Australian Universities Accord Panel, Australian Government representative on the University of the South Pacific Grants Committee, Convenor of the NSW Vice-Chancellor’s Committee, and Chair of the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching Working Group.

The Board of Trustees will commence a search for the next Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University immediately, consulting with students, staff and community during the recruitment process.

ENDS

6 December 2023

Amanda Whibley, Manager, Media and Public Relations

Photo credit - Sally Tsoutas