Professor Celia Hammond has resigned as Vice Chancellor at Notre Dame University earlier than originally intended in order to seek pre-selection for Julie Bishop’s seat of Curtin in Western Australia.
The 50 year-old academic was set to resign from her position as Vice Chancellor in December 2019 after 21 years at the University.
However, the date was brought forward to 25 February, allowing Ms Hammond to nominate for pre-selection in the safe Liberal seat that foreign minister, Ms Bishop, has held for over two decades.
Ms Bishop recently announced her decision to quit politics and has expressed a desire to see another woman replace her as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Curtin.
Acting Vice Chancellor at Notre Dame, Mr Peter Tranter, commended Ms Hammond for “the role she has played in transforming Notre Dame into one of Australia’s highest performing universities.”
In his statement, Mr Tranter wrote, “Trustees and Directors thanked Professor Hammond for her leadership, dedication and contribution over two decades to Notre Dame and wished her and her family well in their future endeavours.”
In a message to all Notre Dame staff, Professor Hammond stated, “I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to be part of the Notre Dame community and the Notre Dame journey for such a long period of time. My time at this University has been a treasure and gift that I will forever cherish.”
“There have been plenty of challenges the University has faced and there will undoubtedly be more… but the opportunities to educate others, to serve others, to learn, to make a positive contribution to society, to experience and grow as individuals and collectively, to develop in Faith, make every challenge, trial and tribulation manageable and surmountable. Keeping the Objects in front of mind and centre of heart is the key.”
Prior to joining Notre Dame in 1998, Ms Hammond worked as a legal practitioner in Western Australia. She was appointed Vice Chancellor of Notre Dame in 2008.