Swinburne appoints two new academic leaders

Swinburne is excited to permanently welcome Andrew Kong into his new role after joining the university in July 2021 in an interim capacity
In summary
- Andrew Kong is Swinburne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive for Vocational Education and Training
- Additionally, Professor Tara Magdalinski is Swinburne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Quality
- They will be working together to ensure that we achieve Swinburne’s Horizon vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world.
After an extensive internal and external search, Andrew Kong has been confirmed as Swinburne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Vocational Education & Training, effective immediately.
Additionally, Professor Tara Magdalinski has been confirmed as Swinburne’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Quality, effective 1 January 2022.
Vocational Education and Training
Mr Kong joined Swinburne in July 2021 and immediately stepped into this position in an interim capacity. During this time Mr Kong has proven himself to be an excellent leader, supporting the VET team and community during significant change.
Prior to joining Swinburne, Mr Kong was at Victoria University, where he was the Dean of the College of Trades and Civil Engineering and the Director of Manufacturing, Technology and Trades. Prior to this, Andrew spent many years in senior roles at the Chisholm Institute, Box Hill Institute and East Gippsland Institute of TAFE. Andrew has also served time in the Australian Defence Force.
Andrew will have responsibility for all VET programs of the university, leading the design, development, delivery and evaluation of innovative, high quality education programs. He will also oversee the continuous improvement of our VET offerings, operational budgets, quality assurance and the development and engagement of a high performing workforce.
Education and Quality
Professor Magdalinski joined Swinburne in September 2016 as Associate Dean, and later Dean, Learning Innovation in the Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, moving from University College Dublin where she had been Head of Sports Management and Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching in the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science.
After a competitive selection process, Professor Magdalinski was appointed PVC (Education and Quality) in an acting capacity in July 2020 and has served in this role since then.
Professor Magdalinski will continue to lead an expanded Education and Quality Services Portfolio that includes teams in Policy, ESOS Compliance, Academic Planning and Performance, and Curriculum and Quality to ensure Swinburne accredits and maintains a suite of high-quality courses, meet regulatory and reporting obligations as the university prepares for TEQSA re-registration, build continuous improvement frameworks, and work with stakeholders to support the implementation of the Education Strategy.
Swinburne is delighted that both Mr Kong and Professor Magdalinski have been permanently appointed to these critical leadership positions. They will be working together to ensure that we achieve Swinburne’s Horizon vision of bringing people and technology together to build a better world.
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- University
Swinburne community members recognised in 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List
Swinburne community members have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours List, including Swinburne National Centre for Reconciliation Practice advisory board member Karen Milward and Honorary Doctorate recipient the late Dr Murray Johns.
Tuesday 10 June 2025 -
- University
Swinburne commerce alum turned Webby Award-winning podcast star
Swinburne alum Ryan Jon Dunn is the co-host of popular Australian podcast, the Toni and Ryan Podcast, which won the audience-voted People’s Voice Award at the prestigious 2025 Webby Awards.
Monday 16 June 2025 -
- University
Swinburne becomes first Australian university to offer degrees in Qatar
Swinburne University of Technology has partnered with Barzan University College (BUC) in Qatar to be the first Australian university to offer its qualifications in the country.
Tuesday 17 June 2025 -
- University
- Film and television
From Melbourne to the Tiwi Islands: LINGER brings Indigenous stories to the big screen
Indigenous students from Swinburne’s Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media lead a powerful collaborative film project exploring dispossession, identity, and resilience.
Thursday 05 June 2025 -
- Law
How Swinburne Law School helped one alum find his calling
By embracing all the real-world experiences that Swinburne Law School had to offer including internships and overseas opportunities, Josh is now thriving in a career he genuinely loves.
Tuesday 17 June 2025