The University of Melbourne today announced the appointment of Jane Hansen AO as the 23rd Chancellor of the University commencing in the role on 1 January 2023.
Jane was first appointed to the University Council in January 2016 and was elected Deputy Chancellor in December 2017.
Jane is currently Chair of the Melbourne Theatre Company, and CEO and Chair of the Hansen Little Foundation. She is also Chair of the New Campaign Advisory Board and a member of the Humanities Foundation Advisory Board, both for the University of Melbourne. Jane also serves on the board of Opera Australia and The Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation. She is a Company Director with more than 25 years investment banking, strategy and management experience internationally, working formerly as a mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance specialist at Macquarie Bank and First Boston/Credit Suisse.
Jane was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to the community, to education and cultural institutions, and through philanthropic support for charitable foundations in 2020.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell said: “I am delighted to welcome Jane to the role of Chancellor, following her seven years as a member of Council, and most recently as Deputy Chancellor.
“Jane has already made major contributions to the University through her involvement in some of our most significant programs and initiatives. I know Jane to be personally connected and committed to both academic excellence and equity, and indeed many other aspects of what we do. I have every confidence that during her Chancellorship, the University will continue to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research.”
Jane Hansen said: “I view it is a privilege and a responsibility to be appointed as the next Chancellor of the University of Melbourne. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on the Council to progress further the important work currently under way across the institution, where students are at the heart of everything we do.”
“Equipping our future generations to contribute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work, through access to excellence in tertiary education, is one of my core beliefs. It sustains my dedication to continuing to work across the University, supporting the institution in its academic mission and ensuring it is strategically well-positioned for the future.”
Jane will replace Allan Myers AC KC who has been serving as Chancellor since 2017 following his decision to step down at the conclusion of his second term.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Maskell acknowledged Mr Myers’ connection to the University of Melbourne over more than 50 years and thanked him for his significant contribution to the institution in his role as Chancellor.
“On behalf of our community at the University of Melbourne, I would like to express our deep gratitude for Mr Myers’ leadership, commitment and generosity to our great University during his time as Chancellor,” Professor Duncan Maskell said.
Allan Myers said: “I am honoured to have served as the University of Melbourne’s Chancellor for the past six years and I look forward to my continuing involvement as part of the broader University community in the years to come.”
