University of Melbourne’s twenty-first Chancellor installed

Elizabeth Alexander has been officially installed as the 21st Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, succeeding the current Victorian Governor, Alex Chernov.

The installation occurred at a ceremony late December, during which former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa).

Ms Alexander - who was formerly Deputy Chancellor of the University - has been a member of the University Council since 2003, when she became Chair of its Finance Committee.

During her installation speech Ms Alexander said she was committed to helping the University continue to strive for excellence in all its endeavours.

"We are number 37 in the world rankings: but we aim to go higher. We have to do this, because the world has changed. We live in a far more competitive world for higher education than any earlier era," she said.

A Melbourne graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, Ms Alexander worked as an accountant and became the first woman to be admitted to partnership in any of the so-called "big six" Australian accounting firms. She is a specialist in Risk Management and Corporate Governance, and has served on numerous public and private sector boards and committees and recently retired as Chairman of CSL.

Ms Alexander was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1990 and received the Centenary Medal in 2003.

As Chancellor, Ms Alexander plays the key ceremonial role and also participates in the governance of the University by chairing its governing body - the Council.