Professor Margaret Gardner to become Monash University's first female vice-chancellor this year

MONASH University will welcome its first female vice-chancellor this year.

Margaret Gardner will become Monash University's first female vice-chancellor in S...

MONASH University will welcome its first female vice-chancellor this year.

Professor Margaret Gardner will step into the role from September.

University Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel said that after an extensive international search, Prof Gardner had been selected as the university's ninth vice-chancellor.

She will replace Professor Edward Byrne, who will become­ the president and principal at London's King's College.

Prof Gardner is currently­ the vice-chancellor and president of RMIT University­.

Dr Finkel said she would be an outstanding asset to Monash University.

"Professor Gardner's extensive­ academic career combined with her expertise in economics, industrial relations­ and organisational management will further advance Monash University's position as a world-leading­ research institution, and continue to develop the opportunities offered to our students," Dr Finkel said.

Prof Gardner said she was delighted and honoured to be joining Monash.

"It has an international presence unique for Australia­ and rare anywhere in higher education," Prof Gardner said.