The Regional Universities Network (RUN), Australia's peak body for regional higher education providers, has commenced the search for a new Executive Director. This follows the decision of Dr Caroline Perkins to finish the role in mid-2021.
Dr Perkins, the inaugural Executive Director of RUN, had planned an earlier departure from the role, but will extend her tenure to ensure a smooth transition to a new chair and an incoming executive director.
The chair of RUN and CQUniversity's vice-chancellor, Professor Nick Klomp, said that Dr Perkins had made a fundamental contribution in overseeing the growth and development of the group over more than nine years.
"Over this time, RUN has grown from six to seven member universities, and has become a highly influential body advocating for policies and programs to assist our institutions, students and communities," Professor Klomp said.
"Dr Perkins will be missed in the role, and I wish her all the very best on the next phase of her career."
Dr Perkins said that it had been a privilege to help build the RUN network, and thanked all her past and present colleagues, in particular the network's chairs, board of vice-chancellors and deputy vice-chancellor groups.
"My interest in regional Australia started when I worked as a geologist, and I subsequently undertook my PhD at a regional university," Dr Perkins said.
"Building the profile and influence of RUN has been extremely rewarding. The network has helped build respect for regionally-headquartered universities, and has highlighted the very significant role our members play as anchor institutions in their regions.
"Lifting educational attainment and building research capacity in regional Australia is vital to the nation as a whole. I am pleased with the regionally-focussed reforms in the 2020 Job-ready Graduates package, and the role RUN played in advocating for these measures," Dr Perkins said.
Dr Perkins plans to move to the UK in late 2021 to spend time with her family and pursue further studies.
