Avondale University Selects New Vice-Chancellor and President, Dr. Kerri-Lee Krause
19 July 2023 |
Avondale University has made a landmark appointment by selecting Dr. Kerri-Lee Krause as the new vice-chancellor and president, approved by Avondale Council in its meeting on July 11. Chancellor Pastor Glenn Townend shared the announcement with campus, according to an article in the Adventist Record, stating that, “Kerri-Lee brings great sector knowledge and experience.” Krause has held senior executive roles at some of Australia’s leading universities, including The University of Melbourne, and has led initiatives for strategic change and cultural transformation.
She also carries a robust record in enhancing educational quality. She has served as deputy chair of the federal government’s Higher Education Standards Panel, chair of its Advisory Committee for the Transparency of Higher Education Admissions, and a board member of the body representing independent higher education providers. Her research interests include the modern student experience, academic work dynamics, and higher education leadership, quality, and standards.
In her interim tenure since April, Krause has already worked on a renewal plan with senior colleagues for the institution. This plan, now endorsed by the university council, aims to secure Avondale’s future, refreshing the university’s approach to meet the needs of the upcoming generation of students, and focusing on new pathways into nationally recognized top-tier courses.
This appointment of Krause, a third-generation alumnus of Avondale, is historic as she is the first woman to lead the university in its 126-year history. Building on the legacy of Ellen White, Krause looks forward to working with students, staff, and the community to ensure continued success for the university. Her leadership will be built on the university’s success, as reflected in the 2021-2022 national Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching survey that ranked Avondale as number one in Australia for the quality of educational experience and teaching practices.
“I admire the tenacity and vision of Ellen White,” said Krause. “She fought so hard to establish this place when resources were tight and when many had trouble imagining how it might work. Now I am privileged to play my part in partnering with students, staff members and members of the community to bring continued success for all.”