Professor Stephen Crump, who has led the University’s Central Coast campus since 2006, will retire next year to pursue his research program with leading universities in Europe.
Professor Crump is Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Relations), and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Director of the Central Coast and Port Macquarie campuses.
He has accepted a role with the Nyenrode Business University in The Netherlands to continue his research.
“I have dedicated my entire professional life – more than four decades – to education and to gaining a greater understanding of the value of learning,” Professor Crump said.
“Through this exciting opportunity working in the heart of Europe, I will take my research into higher education curriculum and policy to the next level by investigating the social, political and cultural impact of education from a global perspective.”
Professor Crump will also work closely with the University of London and Kristianstad University in Sweden.
“The University of Newcastle has developed significant expertise in Work Integrated Learning and community engagement. Universities around the world are observing our activities and leadership in these areas, and are keen to learn from our experiences,” Professor Crump said.
“My work with these leading universities, allows me to share Newcastle’s expertise on the world stage.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Caroline McMillen, said Professor Crump was a driving force behind the success of our Central Coast and Port Macquarie campuses.
“Professor Crump’s achievements over the past six years include securing a $20 million infrastructure upgrade for the Central Coast campus and increasing the campus’ undergraduate enrolments by 40 per cent,” Professor McMillen said.
“He has forged strong relationships with our TAFE partners that have ensured greater educational opportunities for communities on the Central Coast and in Port Macquarie.
“Professor Crump’s leadership of the University’s community engagement strategies has delivered innovative initiatives that have increased our outreach and impact. Programs such as the recently launched Engage Newcastle have increased our connections with our communities and strengthened our growing global leadership in the field of community engagement.”
Professor Crump acknowledged the support of his teams in his achievements.
“With the hard work and commitment of my teams, I believe we have made an important contribution to providing more opportunities for people in our local regions to enter higher education, and to enhancing the University’s national and international standing in community engagement.”
Following his retirement in March 2012, Professor Crump will continue with the University of Newcastle as an Adjunct Professor.
Media contact: for interviews with Professor Crump please contact Megan Cunneen, Media and Public Relations, on 02 4985 4049.
