Professor Kevin Purcell will leave CQUniversity at the end of the year.CQUniversity's Director of Performing Arts Professor Kevin Purcell will step down from his post at the end of this year due to family reasons.

Pro Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean Professor Kevin Tickle thanked Professor Purcell for his contributions and for the groundwork he has done to reinvigorate CQUniversity's theatre and music programs.

"Kevin started with us only a year ago, but has already brought about significant change within the organisation - repositioning the Conservatorium to take on a larger and more interactive role in the Central Queensland community," Professor Tickle said.

"When Kevin began, he said he wanted to start something new by emphasizing pure research and placing an outward focus on the Arts in order to build stronger alliances with the Arts industry and community.

"Already the University is benefiting from new alliances and in the short - and long-term, CQUniversity, with Conservatorium staff and students, will continue to work toward fully achieving those goals."

Professor Purcell is currently on leave but will be developing coursework for upcoming terms over the next few months.

The University will begin an executive search shortly for a new Director.