By MATT NICHOLLS
JIM Barber says he will look back on his tenure at the University of New England with great satisfaction.
The man credited for transforming UNE into a world leader in online tertiary education said he had achieved all he had set out to do since he started in February, 2010.
Professor Barber said when he was appointed he was asked to “shake-up” tertiary eduction and felt he had done all that was asked of him in his four-year tenure.
“It’s been a big turnaround and there’s been a lot of hard work put in by all the staff,” he said.
“I just feel the timing is right because I look at the things I wanted to achieve and I feel as though I have done them.”
Professor Barber will remain as the vice-chancellor for the next six months, with UNE set to embark on a world-wide search for his replacement.
Chancellor John Watkins said no stone would be left unturned in the search for the next VC.
“We share Jim’s optimism about UNE’s bright future and will shortly commence a global search for an appropriately qualified replacement to lead the next phase for UNE,” he said.
Professor Barber signed a five-year contract extension early last year, but said he felt it was now the right time to step down.
Walking away from executive leadership of UNE would also enable him to focus on his interest in online learning and educational innovation, he said.
“This was not an easy decision as the last four years here in Armidale have been very rewarding,” he said.
“However, UNE is in a very good position right now and I have every confidence that it will build on recent successes in the next phase of its development.
“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with such a talented, committed team.”
Although Professor Barber will take some annual leave over the next six months, he said he still had some remaining goals.
“I would love to see a Future Campus built overseas,” he said.
“There are already talks in place to see that happen.”
Professor Barber said he was also looking forward to seeing the bricks and mortar of the new college come together.
