In Summary

  • Professor Linda Kristjanson has agreed to extend her contract until the end of 2020
  • Her second term had been due to end in April 2020
  • Professor Kristjanson has presided over an exciting period of growth, innovation and industry engagement

Swinburne’s Council has confirmed that Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Linda Kristjanson AO, has agreed to extend her contract until the end of 2020. 

Professor Kristjanson joined Swinburne in 2011 and her second term had been due to end in April 2020.

Professor Kristjanson has presided over an exciting period of growth, innovation and industry engagement. Under her leadership, Swinburne has advanced to become a world-class university, enabling social and economic impact through science, technology and innovation. Swinburne has also moved quickly up the international rankings, featuring in the Academic Ranking of World Universities’ top 400 and being named as one of the QS top 50 universities under the age of 50.   

Welcoming the announcement, Chancellor Professor John Pollaers OAM applauded Professor Kristjanson: “Professor Kristjanson is an exceptional leader, committed to ensuring that Swinburne is highly engaged, relevant and vibrant. The Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to excellence has been clear. She has built an innovative culture that is having global impact. She has made Swinburne a university with a distinctive mission – a university well-placed to embrace the future."

Professor Kristjanson says of her continued service: “It is a privilege to serve Swinburne – an institution committed to transforming lives, building communities, and enabling the industries and the professions we serve. We are here to help our students embrace the adventure of learning and build their confidence. And we take great pride in seeing our research make a difference across so many sectors."

Professor Kristjanson has led the development of a personalised approach to teaching and learning, which prepares graduates for future careers through progressive, industry-engaged courses. Swinburne has grown in student numbers, expanded courses offerings and become an international leader in online learning. Proudly, the university is also a recognised sector leader in enabling students from different pathways to realise their academic potential. 

During Professor Kristjanson’s tenure, Swinburne has also taken notable strides to engage with industry, resulting in industry-linked research programs and has forged strong partnerships with professional bodies and community organisations. Professor Kristjanson has also overseen a bold program to construct new buildings and invest in trailblazing infrastructure.