New leaders for Prato in 2012
Cecilia Hewlett and John Nieuwenhuysen
In 2012 the Prato Centre will welcome two new leaders, following the completion of Professor Loretta Baldassar’s term as director.
In appointments welcomed by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) Professor Stephanie Fahey, Emeritus Professor John Nieuwenhuysen AM will direct the centre for the first half of 2012, while Dr Cecilia Hewlett will take over the reigns in July.
Emeritus Professor Nieuwenhuysen brings considerable experience to the position having served as the Foundation Director of the Monash Institute for the Study of Global Movements, as well as working on several international research projects at Prato.
“John Nieuwenhuysen has an excellent knowledge of Monash and of our centre in Prato. He has led several reviews for government and we will be drawing on his experience here to take stock of our position at Prato and to provide recommendations on the long-term direction for the Centre,” Professor Fahey said.
Dr Hewlett, a Renaissance historian who gained her PhD from Monash and was involved in establishing the Prato Centre, also comes highly regarded.
“Cecilia Hewlett is an accomplished administrator and historian who brings both excellent knowledge of Monash and Prato to the role. She will be leading the further development of the academic program at Prato to ensure its quality and impact are extended,” Professor Fahey said.
Both of the newly appointed directors will work to continue the legacy established by Professor Baldassar, who leaves the position to return to the University of Western Australia.
“Loretta has played a major role in helping build the centre's profile both locally and globally. She will remain connected to Monash through the first half of 2012 to help ensure this momentum is not lost,” Professor Fahey said.