Key 94: Vice-Principal 1965 / Raymond Priestley Building 1969

 

The rapid growth of the University in the 1960s, a financial crisis in 1964 and the ever-increasing requirements imposed by the Commonwealth Government forced major growth and increased specialisation in the administration of the University. The appointment of (Dr) Ray D. Marginson to the new position of Vice-Principal in 1965 was the first step in the modernisation of the administration to meet these new conditions and the sub-division of the Registrar’s domain.

University Gallery group including Ray Marginson (left) and Gallery Director Betty Clarke
University Gallery group including Ray Marginson (left) and Gallery Director Betty Clarke
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Media Photograph Collection, Photograph No 18531]

The Vice-Principal’s role was management of the finances and property of the University and the development of procedures and structures for effective management of all aspects of its work. Part of the re-organisation of the administration involved the devolution of basic budgeting to faculties and departments in 1968 but the rapidly expanding central administration of the University was made rather more visible when it took up residence in the nine-story Raymond Priestley Building between the Old Quadrangle Building and the Chemistry School in 1969.

Raymond Priestley Building
Raymond Priestley Building
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Media Photograph Collection, Photograph No 17551]

The Vice-Chancellor’s role was in need of subdivision also and Professor David Caro was appointed first full-time Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 1972.

David Caro, seen here at a London reunion of graduates, was Vice-Chancellor in1982
David Caro, seen here at a London reunion of graduates, was Vice-Chancellor in1982
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-1649]

He was joined by Professor John Poynter as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) in 1975. The volume of business transacted from this time lead to a corresponding increase in administrative functions and staff in all departments. By the 1980s full-time deans, once confined to the Faculty of Medicine became the norm with a corresponding increase in their role and function.

Professor John Poynter with Elinor Wrobel (left) and University Librarian Helen Hayes
Professor John Poynter with Elinor Wrobel (left) and University Librarian Helen Hayes
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Media Photograph Collection, Photograph No 16355]