Vice-Chancellor Martin Bean to step down
RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Martin Bean CBE, will be stepping down from his role in June this year.
RMIT Chancellor, Dr Ziggy Switkowski, today announced that Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Martin Bean CBE, will be stepping down from his role in June this year to focus on managing his longstanding health condition and devoting more of his time to researching digital education, skills reform and the future of work.
Dr Zwitkowski said it had been a difficult decision for Martin and his family; however, they decided it was essential he prioritise preventative care so he can maintain the boundless energy that everyone at RMIT has come to appreciate.
Importantly, after a short break, Martin will re-join RMIT in 2022, on a part-time basis, to help the University continue to shape its digital future, including mentoring the ongoing success of RMIT Online, playing an active role with key industry partners, supporting broader digital education efforts and helping develop social policies so that digital literacy becomes a national asset and competitive advantage.
Since becoming Vice-Chancellor over six years ago, Martin has led RMIT’s evolution from a traditional dual-sector University into a multi-sector leader in contemporary tertiary education.
This transformation has returned students to the heart of RMIT, advanced its applied research and innovation capabilities on the world stage, launched RMIT Online, elevated the University’s contribution in Vietnam, opened digital pathways, shaped industry partnerships globally and put a refreshed focus on people and culture with RMIT now leading the way across a range of measures.
“A recognised thought leader in contemporary education, Martin is tireless in his determination that the lifechanging power of learning should leave no one behind. His influence extends beyond the traditional realms of education and into the community, where he is a champion of inclusive culture, Dr Switkowski said.
“Today, driven by his passion and those he empowers, RMIT is an employer of choice and sector leader in diversity and inclusion.
“Martin’s legacy, the Ready for Life and Work strategy, was fit for the times, evidenced by the way the community pulled together and continued to make significant progress in 2020, despite the challenges faced by the communities we serve.
“On behalf of Council, I’d like to recognise and thank Martin for all he has done. He’s an extraordinary leader, educator and friend,” he said.
"While Martin will continue to lead RMIT until June 2021, the recruitment process for the new Vice-Chancellor will begin immediately and that person will be integral to shaping the next five-year agenda.
"After six years of exceptional leadership, the RMIT community is ready to look ahead and confidently build upon Martin’s legacy."
Click here to view Vice-Chancellor Martin Bean's message to RMIT staff.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.