Recent Highlights

With a focus on building financial reserves and diversifying income sources, Professor Yovich has consolidated the University's strengths in teaching and research to achieve a strong and sustainable institution.

He recently spearheaded the proposal that led to Murdoch being allocated 470 new places, which will increase to 1,285 by 2008, from the additional places available nationally through the Federal Government's higher education package, Our Universities: Backing Australia's Future. This was the largest allocation in Western Australia and the fourth highest total allocation nationally.

He has also ensured that Murdoch University's research activity continues to increase, with total research income increasing by nearly 40% from 2002 to 2004. Importantly, his efforts have led to research income growing across all areas of the University.

Professor Yovich's strategic focus on industry engagement has seen Murdoch ranked first nationally on a per capita basis in 2003 and 2004 for the award of industry supported ARC Linkage Project Grants.

Community engagement also has been an important strategic direction during Professor Yovich's tenure. He has directed the development of the Peel Campus, drawing together Federal, State and Local Government contributions to enable the Campus to open its doors in 2005.

Murdoch has an international perspective in teaching and research based on strategic and innovative approaches to internationalisation. Professor Yovich set this direction through achievements such as accreditation of Murdoch University's Veterinary course by the American Veterinary Medical Association - the first in Australia and one of only six institutions outside North America to have this international imprimatur. He has also expanded the international franchising of Murdoch's educational intellectual property.

Professor Yovich was instrumental in the formation of the Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA) group comprising Flinders, Griffith, La Trobe, Macquarie, Murdoch and Newcastle Universities. The group has provided effective collaborations and a significant new voice on the national higher education stage.

As Executive Dean of the Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Professor Yovich founded the Murdoch University Veterinary Trust. In addition to developing an endowment fund, the Trust has supported the activities of the Veterinary School - from funding the redevelopment of the state-of-the-art anatomy museum through to providing scholarships.

Building on this strong base, Professor Yovich established the Murdoch University Foundation in late 2002. The immediate success of the Foundation saw it attract $1.17 million over three years to fund three Professorial appointments in 2005 at Murdoch's regional campuses.

In 2004 Professor Yovich chaired for the State Government the External Reference Group of the People Making a Difference: The Public Sector review that helped set strategic direction for the development of the public sector in Western Australia.

He is currently a Member of the Business-Industry-Higher Education Collaboration Council, the Board of Directors of IDP Education Australia and various working parties established by the AVCC on Engagement and Auditing of University Quality. He is also a Board Member of Future Directions International.

In 2003, he received a Centenary Medal for his service to Australian society through veterinary science and university administration.

Background

Immediately prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Professor Yovich was the inaugural Executive Dean for Murdoch's Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and also served a period as Acting Pro Vice Chancellor (Research).

He joined Murdoch University as Senior Lecturer and Head of Equine Surgery in 1988, later becoming Head of Large Animal Surgery.

Professor Yovich has authored more than 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals, several books and electronic publications. He has also received numerous awards for his research and has extensive experience in teaching and supervising postgraduates.

Professor Yovich obtained a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from Murdoch University in 1981, a Diploma in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Guelph (1982-83), a Master of Science (1986) and PhD (1988) from Colorado State University as well as obtaining qualifications as a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (1987) and as a Registered Specialist in Veterinary Surgery and Equine Surgery.

He has been a member of the National Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Equine Research Advisory Committee, Deputy Chair of the Western Australian Totalisator Agency Board, member of the Racecourse Development Trust, member of the Australian Veterinary Boards Council, Vice Chairman of the Western Australian Turf Club and member of the Consultative Group for the Federal Review of Rural Veterinary Services.

Professor Yovich is married with two young children.