Vice‑Chancellor to farewell Swinburne after six years of leadership

The Swinburne University of Technology Council has been informed by Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pascale Quester AO, of her decision to step down from the role after six years leading the University.

Professor Quester joined Swinburne in August 2020 and has led the University through a period of significant disruption and change across the higher education sector.

During this time, Swinburne has delivered its Horizon 2025 strategy, restored financial sustainability, progressed major campus renewal, and co-created and launched its next strategy, Ad Astra_2030.

Chancellor Professor John Pollaers OAM said Professor Quester had made a significant contribution to the University and leaves it well positioned for the future.

“Pascale has led Swinburne with clarity, purpose and deep commitment during a period of real challenge and change for the sector,” Professor Pollaers said.

“She has strengthened the University’s foundations, sharpened its strategic focus, and built a strong executive team to carry that work forward.”

Swinburne is now in a position of strong momentum, with a clear strategy in Ad Astra_2030, a capable leadership team, and the foundations in place to deliver on its ambitions.

Professor Pollaers said Council acknowledges Professor Quester’s decision and thanks her for the clarity and care with which she has approached it.

“When Council reappointed Pascale in 2023, it was to provide continuity through the completion of Horizon 2025 and into the launch of Ad Astra_2030. That work is now well underway.”

“Pascale has been clear over time about her desire to leave the University with a strong team in place and a clear path forward. We respect her decision, and we thank her for the way she has approached it, with the best interests of Swinburne in mind,” Professor Pollaers said.

“Council’s focus is on ensuring continuity and momentum as the University moves into this next phase.”

Professor Quester said it had been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Swinburne.

“I came to Swinburne with a clear purpose: to strengthen the University’s foundations, set a bold strategic direction and build the leadership capability to deliver it,” Professor Quester said.

“Together, we have achieved a great deal. With Ad Astra_2030 now underway and a strong team in place, the time is right for me to step away from full-time work and make contributions to the sector I have devoted my life to, in a different way.”

“I am grateful for the support of the Chancellor and Council throughout my time as Vice-Chancellor, and for our shared commitment to Swinburne’s future.”

Professor Quester said her decision had also been shaped by personal considerations, including spending more time with family overseas.

“My mother is in her 90s and lives in France, and she is living with dementia. I have only been able to see her once a year since COVID, and I want the flexibility to spend more time with her while I still can.”

Professor Quester will take a period of pre-planned long service leave in April before returning to the role and will remain as Vice-Chancellor until 3 July to support continuity and transition.

Council has appointed Professor Simon Ridings as Interim Vice-Chancellor, effective from July.

Currently Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer at Swinburne, Professor Ridings brings deep experience across academic leadership, global engagement and sector partnerships.

Professor Pollaers said the appointment reflects the strength and depth of Swinburne’s leadership team, built under Professor Quester’s leadership, and will ensure continuity as the University continues to deliver on Ad Astra_2030.