Dr Pierre Viljoen, Head of Campus CQUniversity Gladstone, has been appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Community and Engagement) and Head of Campus Mackay, it was announced by CQUniversity Vice-Chancellor and President Scott Bowman.

Dr Viljoen, Pierre, at Gladstone since 2006, was a driving force behind Gladstone community initiatives to foster and facilitate education pathways.

Dr Pierre Viljoen during his time as Gladstone Campus Head

With a reputation for developing numerous industry-based relationships, such as those with Rio Tinto (which is co-located at CQUniversity Gladstone) and the Queensland Resources Council, Dr Viljoen will lead further development of CQUniversity's engagement programs across all sectors throughout Central Queensland.

"Pierre has a wealth of experience and a record of achievement. At Mackay, he will draw us closer to the mining sector and help establish medical science as area of concentration for CQUniversity," explained Professor Bowman.

Dr Viljoen said that it had been a great privilege for him to "share CQUniversity's journey at Gladstone" and that there was a fantastic future ahead for CQUniversity.

"I am confident that many of the initiatives we have planned and implemented over the past few years will bear fruit in the near future and allow the City of Gladstone and Central Queensland to continue realising its potential.  As Pro Vice-Chancellor with whole-of-University responsibility, I will keep close contact with Gladstone and its progress," he told staff.

Dr Viljoen will take up the position at the beginning of next year.

The University has begun its search for a new Head of Campus at Gladstone.