Martin's message to RMIT staff: My decision to step down as Vice-Chancellor

I can’t tell you how hard it is for me to write those words and the swirl of mixed emotions I am feeling as I step away from a position that I often describe as extraordinary; to have the honour of being the custodian of such a wonderful University that has changed the lives of so many in its 134 year history. I have devoted my career to championing education as a basic human right and I’m so proud of the positive impact RMIT has in almost every corner of the globe.

I step away after one of our most challenging years. 2020 was a year like no other, a year when you demonstrated your extraordinary strength, mateship and clarity of purpose. It was awe inspiring to see you navigate us through and I know RMIT is strong enough to endure any challenge it is set and innovative enough to thrive for another 134 years.

I leave you in very safe and capable hands. The extraordinary combination of Ziggy our Chancellor, your Vice-Chancellor’s Executive, an engaged University Council and an extended group of leaders who have given so much to RMIT over the last 12 months. They are without doubt one of the finest groups of people I have ever worked with and we are lucky to have them. I will be their greatest cheerleader as they work with you to build our next five-year strategy and write the next chapter of RMIT.

I hope you can understand my decision, it wasn’t easy, and it came after months of soul searching. A decision made easier by the exciting opportunity to re-join you on a part-time basis in 2022 to contribute to our digital education future and remain part of a community that I’m proud to call my own.

I will always be in your debt RMIT, for your passion, your care, your vision, your impact and for letting me be part of your community. It’s rare and a privilege to be able to say that, as I step away from full-time work and rebalance my life to focus on taking care of my health and my career long passion for digital education, skills reform and the future of work.

Thank you for the honour of being your Vice-Chancellor. Tertiary education has never been more important to our future and RMIT is in a unique position to lead its evolution, transform lives and solve the world’s most wicked problems. It’s yours to run now, take good care of it, take good care of each other and never stop saying hello, as you spot me enjoying campus life for many years to come.

Martin