Thomas KENNEDY (1934 - 2011)
Deputy Director, Chisholm Institute of Technology (1981 - 1984)
Director of Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (1984 - 1989)
Pro Vice-Chancellor (1990 - 1992)
It is with sadness that Monash University notes the passing of former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Gippsland campus, Professor Tom Kennedy, on 20 April 2011.
Professor Kennedy was the Director of the Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education (GIAE) from 1984 to 1989, and the inaugural Chief Executive Officer and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University College Gippsland (MUCG) from 1990 to 1992.
An astute manager with extensive experience in both TAFE and university sectors, Professor Kennedy was responsible for leading the GIAE through the turbulent times of the Dawkins reforms of Australia’s higher education sector in the late 1980s.
In addition, Professor Kennedy was responsible for guiding the GIAE during the amalgamation negotiations with Monash University.
During his leadership of the GIAE and MUCG, Professor Kennedy was responsible for establishing the campus as a National Distance Education Centre, helping extend distance education programs to countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, and doubling enrolments to over 6,000 students.
Prior to coming to Gippsland, Professor Kennedy was the Deputy Director of the Chisholm Institute of Technology.
An Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chemistry, Professor Kennedy held a degree in Science, a PhD in Chemistry (Glasgow) and a Diploma of Education. He was also a member of several professional associations involved in Education and Administration.
Professor Kennedy was farewelled at a private family ceremony.
On behalf of Monash University, the Pro Vice-Chancellor and President of the Gippsland Campus, Professor Helen Bartlett, extends her condolences to Professor Kennedy’s family and friends.
Published in Monash Memo, 4 May 2011.