Benjamin Millar
Former Williamstown MP and state government minister Wade Noonan has been appointed to a key strategic role at Victoria University.
Mr Noonan was announced on Wednesday as VU’s new deputy vice-chancellor external relations and partnerships, a role he said will combine his advocacy for the western suburbs with the chance to directly contribute to VU’s vision and future.
“I’m passionate about the west and ambitious about how VU can help shape its future,” he said.
“To be joining VU at a critical time of its growth and transformation is hugely exciting.”
Mr Noonan said the university sits well poised to deliver “campuses of the future” built on ethical values and conscious partnering.
“To do this well will require deeper alliances with like-minded industry partners and the delivery of the ‘flipped campus’ model brings smart and creative minds together,” he said.
Mr Noonan served as the member for the state seat of Williamstown from 2007 to 2018 and became a minister in the first term of the Andrews government in 2014.
He has recently served as executive director of the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA), playing a role in developing a 20-year blueprint for Melbourne’s North and West City Deal.
Vice-Chancellor Adam Shoemaker said Mr Noonan’s appointment would strengthen the University’s ambitious strategic endeavours.
“Wade’s energy and leadership will be a fantastic asset as the University develops deeper and meaningful partnerships and alignment with industry,” Professor Shoemaker said.
“With a career defined by bringing together government, business and community groups for social good, Wade is well equipped to lead our ‘flipped campus’ approach that brings complementary industries onto and into our campuses to enhance employment prospects for our students.”
