Dr Baragwanath, who will take up the position at the end of July, is currently Senior Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor at AUT in Auckland. Other organisations where she has participated in engagement and senior leadership include the University of Auckland and Auckland Council.
Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford says increasing engagement with its communities is a high priority for the University and he is delighted to have someone of Dr Baragwanath’s calibre to lead initiatives in this area.
“This position is central to the University’s role as a capital city university and to achieving our goal of being one of the great global-civic universities in the world,” says Professor Guilford.
“Dr Baragwanath’s extensive experience in engagement, leadership and influencing will play a significant role in Victoria University’s drive to broaden and deepen engagement in New Zealand and internationally.”
Dr Baragwanath says she is pleased and honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to Victoria University realising its vision and to participate in its ‘brave, exciting and unique’ approach.
“Victoria University operates in an area of critical significance for New Zealand’s future, with outstanding opportunities to execute its commitment to civic society and global citizenship.
“I am delighted to be able to contribute to helping the University to achieve its mission and increase its profile in New Zealand and internationally.”
Prior to taking up her current role at AUT, Dr Baragwanath was Manager Research and Evaluation at Auckland Council, is a former Chair of the Auckland City Centre Advisory Board and has been responsible for stakeholder engagement in the office of the first Mayor of Auckland. She has also been involved in engagement activities at a senior level for the University of Auckland.
Dr Baragwanath holds undergraduate and doctoral qualifications in resource studies and social science. She is the second person to hold the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) at Victoria University and replaces Professor Frazer Allan who is now Dean of the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney.
The office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) has responsibilities spanning alumni and development, communications and marketing, relationship management, Victoria University Press, Adam Art Gallery and the Centre for Lifelong Learning.