Stephen Connelly, RMIT University’s new Pro-Vice Chancellor (International and Development), is looking ahead - all the way to 2020.

At a time when the University community is beginning the task of preparing a new Strategic Plan for the next five years, Mr Connelly is trying to peer further over the horizon.

“I’m interested in looking at the way the University might look in 2020,” he said. “The next Strategic Plan sets us up for then.”

So how might things look in a decade? Mr Connelly ventures that, thanks to mergers, there will be fewer universities, with private institutions taking a larger share of meeting Government targets for more graduates.

He also see more vertical integration, with universities seeking to maximise retention by engaging with the school sector so that young people ascend the staircase of education - from high school to postgraduate qualifications - with a single provider.

“Dual or multi-sector universities like RMIT will have some advantage because they will be more able to incorporate senior high school students into their range of programs,” he said.

“We already offer VCE studies and engage with high school students through vocational education. I could see us offering more programs through schools.”

RMIT Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, has welcomed Mr Connelly.

“Stephen joins us bringing a wealth of experience in the field of international education and deep understanding of Australian tertiary education, as well as an energetic and enthusiastic commitment to both.

“He is currently the President of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA). Before joining RMIT, Stephen held various positions in international education and marketing, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development and Engagement) at Swinburne University from 2004 and Director of International Programs at La Trobe University.

“Stephen has taught international students, as well as managing programs in Australia and Malaysia, including RMIT’s twinning programs at Metropolitan College from 1992-1996.

“In his most recent role, he also led domestic marketing and recruitment, alumni and development and Swinburne’s International College.”

Mr Connelly’s experience in international education gives him a valuable perspective.

“International education is complex. It’s more than recruiting onshore students or running offshore programs,” he said.

“It also relates to internationalisation of the curriculum, of research, of staff, of learning mobility and support services.

“We do all that now, but not necessarily in a way that’s considered as part of the strategic whole.”

Mr Connelly welcomes the challenges of his new role. “From an international perspective, I regard this job as one of the plum roles - a university that has this kind of international profile and size.

“The breadth of the portfolio is an attraction. It’s an opportunity to contribute across a whole range of areas, including positioning for domestic student recruitment and relationships with industry. It’s a complete package.”

Mr Connelly holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in German literature, a Master of Arts in 18th century European Studies and a Diploma in Education, German and ESL from Monash University, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from the Melbourne Business School.

He can speak German to European industry partners, as well as singing a few verses in the original of one of his favourites - Mack the Knife.

With the AFL season coming up, he’s prepared to risk ruffling feathers by declaring his allegiance to Collingwood.

And what’s his final prediction for 2020? “Eight back-to-back flags for the Pies.” Telling the future is always a risky business.

Source: RMIT University http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=mxfjgc0sedrz;STATUS=A