The Governing Board of Media Design School announces its next Chairman of the Academic Board

Making the announcement, Torrens University Australia Chancellor Michael Mann AM and Torrens University President Linda Brown said Professor Louw was appointed after an extensive global search.  

"Professor Louw brings a rare combination of experience in research, academic leadership, global education, industry engagement, and in building an agenda for the university of the future. He fundamentally shares our values and most importantly, our commitment to ensuring all Torrens University Australia graduates get the job they want," Chancellor Michael Mann said.  

"Professor Louw understands that higher education must be relevant to society and industry, that it must contribute to economic growth, and most importantly that it must produce socially-minded future business leaders, entrepreneurs, and global change-makers," Torrens University Australia President Linda Brown said.   

At Monash South Africa, Professor Louw was President of the university as well as Academic President. His impact was to build a new generation university with world-class standards – an institution capable of being an active partner in the process of managing and addressing the broader changes in the political, economic, social and environmental realms and contribute tangibly to the sustainability and improvement of the human condition. This initiative was based on his belief that Higher Education is a common good, and therefore it should focus on impacting society.   

Professor Louw was Professor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic and Research at Vaal University of Technology.   

Prior to these roles, Professor Louw served in senior leadership positions at the University of South Africa, Technikon Southern Africa and Vista University.  

President Linda Brown also emphasised Professor Louw's focus on innovation and working in teams which has enabled a broad range of students to access education. 

"Professor Louw is keen on harnessing the power of technology to advance education. He was responsible for developing the University of South Africa's Open Distance Learning model. At Vista University, a key focus was on enhancing the accessibility of higher education for disadvantaged communities."  

Professor Louw has published extensively on a broad range of issues including societal development, gender equity, civil society and community, the future of education, new generation universities, research and innovation and more. He has a robust passion for research, and this is reflected in his achievements in substantially expanding research capacity and increasing research output in his various roles.   

"I look forward to becoming part of this dynamic team and to contribute to its capacity with my own background and experience. By working in partnership with Torrens President Linda Brown and Chancellor Michael Mann, we will not only support the future growth of Torrens University but also ensure more significant opportunities for the accessibility and internationalisation of Higher Education in Australia and NZ," Professor Alwyn Louw said.

The Torrens University Australia Governing Board also paid tribute to outgoing Vice-Chancellor Professor Justin Beilby.  

"I am grateful that Professor Beilby has agreed to remain with us to ensure a smooth transition and to continue with us, in a new position as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research. Justin has been a great academic leader and ambassador for Torrens University Australia, particularly in our ethos of being here for good," Mr. Mann said.  

"Alongside President Linda Brown, Professor Beilby has contributed to building Australia's first new comprehensive University in twenty years. Our recent re-registration from TEQSA is a testament to the strong and positive position we are now in." 
 
Professor Louw will relocate to Adelaide and take up his new position on January 15, 2020.  

You can read more about Professor Louw’s work and interests here.