End of era for Australia’s first Greek university Chancellor

Leaving a legacy for being the first university Chancellor of Greek heritage to be appointed in Australia, current Chancellor of Victoria University (VU) George Pappas AO will be stepping down from his role after almost 10 years of service.

Born in Rhodes, Pappas (nee Georgios Papageorgiou) emigrated to Australia in 1952 and studied economics at Monash University graduating with First Class Honours followed by an MBA with Distinction at Harvard Business School.

In 2010, succeeding Justice Frank Vincent AO, QC, Pappas became VU’s fourth Chancellor. Prior to that HE was known as a prominent businessman with a successful career trajectory as a corporate adviser in Australia, Japan and the US and had gained wide ranging experience across the commercial and government sectors.

Throughout his term as a Chancellor, the business focus he brought to the post helped establish the university as an influential forum on the debate over the state’s economic future.

While performing his duties involving the direction and superintendence of VU, Pappas was also serving as chair of the Committee for Melbourne, and in 2016 he was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in recognition of his service to the community, through roles with tertiary education, medical research, defence organisations and supporting business.

In 2015 he was also named Kastellorizian of the Year, an honour owing to his association with the island of Kastellorizo where his mother was born.

Proud of his heritage, Pappas established during his tenure as Chancellor a scholarship helping students of Greek descent to attend Victoria University, as a way of giving back to the Greek community as well as honouring his parents and providing others with the opportunity to further their education.

Pappas’ successor in the role will be former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks.

Following a transition period, with the position filled temporarily by Deputy Chancellors Wayne Kayler-Thomson and Gaye Hamilton for six months each, Steve Bracks will take up his appointment at the start of 2021.