Senate Members

Professor John Yovich - Vice Chancellor

Professor John Yovich
Vice Chancellor

Professor John Yovich AM was appointed Vice Chancellor and President of Murdoch University in 2002.

Since this time, he has consolidated the University’s strengths in teaching and research to achieve a strong and growing institution. This has been achieved through strategic initiatives such as the securing of additional undergraduate places and a focus on industry and community engagement.

Professor Yovich was instrumental in the formation of and currently Chairs the Innovative Research Universities Australia (IRUA) group, which comprises Flinders, Griffith, La Trobe, Macquarie, Murdoch and Newcastle Universities. This group has provided effective collaboration and developed a significant new voice on the national higher education stage. He is a Board Member of the not-for profit Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC).

Professor Yovich received a Centenary Medal for his service to Australian society through veterinary science and university administration in 2001 and an Order of Australia for service to tertiary education, veterinary science and the community in 2006.

Prior to his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Professor Yovich was the inaugural Executive Dean for Murdoch University’s Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, during which time he concurrently served a period as Pro Vice Chancellor (Research).

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. 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.

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 a member of the Consultative Group for the Federal Review of Rural Veterinary Services and a Member of the Business-Industry-Higher Education Collaboration Council.

Professor Yovich is married with two children.

Senate Membership List