La Trobe University has appointed Associate Professor Julie Rudner as the University’s new Campus Director, Bendigo
Associate Professor Rudner currently leads the Community Planning and Development Program at the Bendigo campus, where she has been based for 11 years.
Julie Rudner is well known in the Central Victorian community for her contributions as a public intellectual – in particular, her study on the Bendigo mosque protests for the Victorian Multicultural Commission – and for being a regular contributor to panel events and public lectures.
La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor John Dewar AO warmly congratulated Associate Professor 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.
“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,” Professor Dewar said.
Associate Professor 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.”
Associate Professor Rudner said collaborating closely with regional stakeholders is key to achieving the University’s mission to increase higher education attainment in regional communities.
“Regional campuses are major players within the broader network of regional development.
“Working closely with local government, industry and TAFEs – as well as La Trobe’s four other campuses – will help us deliver for our regional communities.”
Associate Professor Rudner will start in the role of Campus Director, Bendigo on 4 January 2021.
Acting Campus Director since June 2020, Associate Professor Melanie Bish, will move into her new role as Associate Head of the La Trobe Rural Health School and Director, Academic Partnerships.
About Associate Professor Julie Rudner
Associate Professor Rudner currently leads the Community Planning and Development Program at La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus, where she has been working for 10 years. Her regionally based research addresses “public knowings” of safety, risk and belonging for different social groups.
Associate Professor Rudner is well known in the Central Victorian community for her study on the Bendigo mosque protests for the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and for supporting active citizenship through community-based projects.
She is a regular contributor to panel events and public lectures, and a regular host during the Bendigo Writers Festival.
Prior to joining La Trobe, Associate Professor Rudner worked in strategic positions in government and private consultancy, and brings a considerable network of government and community contacts into this role.