Former Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile has been appointed as the next Chancellor of the University of Newcastle.
Mr Vaile served as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister from 2005 to 2007.
His tenure as chancellor will commence on July 1 following the retirement of chancellor Paul Jeans.
"Council members voted unanimously for Mr Vaile - a clear reflection of his credentials to be head of our University as well as a vote of confidence in his commitment to this region," Deputy Chancellor Michelle McPherson said on Friday.
"Mr Vaile's experience with our international partners right through to our local communities will be invaluable for our future both in our regions and on the world stage and our full Council looks forward to working with him."
Since leaving Federal Parliament in July 2008, Mr Vaile has embarked on a career in the private sector and has served on the boards of a number of ASX-listed companies and large organisations including Servcorp, StamfordLand, HostPlus, Virgin Australia, 123 Education China, Whitehaven Coal, CBD Renewable Energy, and Palisade Investment Partners.
"I am grateful and deeply humbled to have been invited to be the next Chancellor of the University of Newcastle," Mr Vaile said.
"I look forward with great anticipation to working with Council and Vice-Chancellor Zelinsky as we face the challenges and embrace the significant opportunities ahead of us," Mr Vaile said.
Mr Jeans, who is retiring on the completion of his second four-year term as the University's seventh chancellor, said it had been a privilege to serve in the role.
"During my time as Chancellor, we have graduated some 73,000 people and every graduation has reinforced in me the importance of what we do here at the University of Newcastle," he said.
"I am reminded of the incredible efforts our staff go to, to ensure students from all walks of life with ability and drive can come to us and change the course of their lives through education.
"I was particularly proud of all the graduating students of 2020 and the staff who helped them achieve their goals despite the enormous challenges of COVID-19.
