La Trobe University has appointed Associate Professor Julie Rudner as the university's new Bendigo campus director.
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A/Prof Rudner replaced former campus director Robert Stephenson, who left the role in July after taking a voluntary redundancy.
Commencing in her new role on January 4, 2021, A/Prof Rudner currently leads the Community Planning and Development Program at the Bendigo campus, where she has worked for 10 years.
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Known in the central Victorian community for her study on the Bendigo mosque protests for the Victorian Multicultural Commission, A/Prof Rudner is a regular contributor to panel events and public lectures.
A/Prof Rudner said she was excited about the new position and looked forward to building on the key strengths of the campus.
"Our Bendigo campus already produces globally relevant, high impact research and innovative teaching and learning," she said.
"I also see many opportunities to embrace the challenges that have arisen out of the pandemic and other complex issues around social justice, access and equity."
Federal member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters welcomed A/Prof Rudner to her new role and said its a challenging time for regional university campuses.
"La Trobe has suffered deeply from the COVID-19 pandemic and government funding cuts and reform to the sector," Ms Chesters said.
"There's a common goal for the Bendigo campus to grow and build partnerships at a community and industry level.
"I look forward to discussing the important issues with A/Prof Rudner in the future and wish her all the best."
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO congratulated Ms Rudner on her new role.
"This appointment comes at a critical time for La Trobe, as we strengthen our commitment to regional communities and roll out our plan for the university in a post-COVID world," Mr Dewar said.
"With her deep connection to the central Victorian community and strong academic and strategic credentials, Julie is an ideal candidate to lead La Trobe's largest regional campus through this next critical phase."
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