New Dean for Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning

New Dean of ABP - Professor Julie Willis
Professor Julie Willis: new Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne.

Professor Julie Willis has been appointed the new Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Margaret Sheil said the University was thrilled to appoint Professor Willis to the role.

“Professor Willis was an outstanding candidate, and selected after an eight month international search to fill the position. A proven leader, distinguished scholar and committed teacher she has an exceptional understanding of research strategy across a wide range of discipline areas," Professor Sheil said.

“She will become a valued member of the University’s Executive and will make an excellent contribution to the University at large.”

Professor Willis has held a number of significant leadership positions at the University since her arrival in 1998, most recently as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Research Capability).

A Professor of Architecture, she is a highly respected scholar with an international reputation as an architectural historian, and is an author and editor of the Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture.

She is also been a member of the ARC’s College of Experts. Professor Willis said she was delighted to take on the role during such an exciting time for the faculty.

“The new Bachelor of Design degree offers the Faculty a great opportunity to further build on its considerable strengths and forge stronger cross-disciplinary engagement,” Professor Willis said.

“Our students will reap the rewards of a vibrant scholarly environment that will foster a broad range of design and practice skills, which will enable them to be future leaders in the ever-changing design and built environment professions.

“The new award-winning Melbourne School of Design building provides excellent infrastructure for our endeavours going forward, facilitating the kinds of creative engagement we value and allows us to showcase the work of our students and researchers to a wide audience.”

Professor Willis will commence the role in November, with Professor Daryl Le Grew continuing as Interim Dean until then.

Professor Sheil thanked Professor Le Grew for his leadership in the role and in particular for his work in stewarding through the new degree.