Canberra vice-chancellor Paddy Nixon quits ‘for personal reasons’

University of Canberra vice-chancellor Paddy Nixon has resigned abruptly, citing “personal reasons”.

The institution said it would search for a new chief “as soon as possible”, with deputy vice-chancellor Lucy Johnston serving as interim vice-chancellor in the meantime.

In a statement issued by the university, Professor Nixon said he had experienced four “very challenging” years since taking over at Canberra in mid-2020. “For personal reasons, I am taking a career break,” he said.

The coronavirus pandemic precipitated a period of unprecedented turnover in Australian university leaders, with more than half of vice-chancellors leaving their posts in recent years – particularly those with overseas ties, such as British-born Professor Nixon.

However, resignations with immediate effect are highly unusual. Vice-chancellors generally flag their intentions to leave a year or so in advance.

Most also serve for at least seven years, and often more. However, predecessor Deep Saini – who likewise had family ties overseas – also left Canberra after less than four years in the top job.

Professor Nixon, a computer engineer, was previously vice-chancellor of Ulster University in Northern Ireland and deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Tasmania.

He said leading Canberra had been “an absolute privilege” and the university had “come so far” during his tenure.

“Our success has been because we are a community truly dedicated to our core purpose of education and our commitment to this place. We would not have been able to reach this point without our exceptionally talented leadership team and the determination of our staff,” he said.

Chancellor Lisa Paul hailed Professor Nixon’s commitment to indigenous students and his efforts in reducing inequality. “[He] arrived at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and successfully navigated its challenges by protecting both jobs and student learning,” she said.

john.ross@timeshighereducation.com