The University of Queensland's governing Senate tonight enthusiastically supported the extension of Vice Chancellor John Hay's appointment to 31 December 2007.
Chancellor Sir Llewellyn Edwards said Professor Hay was an exceptional and outstanding Vice-Chancellor and the University was delighted to have secured his leadership for the next eight years.
"John Hay has made an extraordinary contribution to The University of Queensland since he joined us in January 1996," Sir Llewellyn said.
"I believe - and Senate clearly supports this view - that Professor Hay is far and away the most outstanding Vice-Chancellor in Australia.
"He has applied vision and worked incredibly hard to advance the University as one of Australia's leading institutions both in terms of research and teaching.
"The University was named Australia's University of the Year 1998-99 for outstanding outcomes for graduates, and recent surveys continue to confirm that achievement.
"His personal drive and commitment have secured such projects as the Institute for Molecular Bioscience - which is of immense importance to Queensland and Australia - and the super-computing project which has just received substantial Government support."
The Chancellor said Professor Hay had been fully supported by his wife Barbara in his demanding task.
"His decision to stay is a vital and welcome decision. The University looks forward to working with Professor Hay for years to come."
