MCD University of Divinity

VICE-CHANCELLOR APPOINTED TO AUSTRALIA’S FIRST SPECIALISED UNIVERSITY

On 1 January 2012, all academic eyes were intently watching history take place within Australia’s Higher Education sector as MCD University of Divinity officially became Australia’s first University of Specialisation and the first university to be established in Victoria in over two decades.

Under the Federal government’s provisions, protocols and guidelines for ‘Establishing Australian Universities’ and following a rigorous 15-month period of assessment, Melbourne College of Divinity’s application for Specialised University status was approved.

Marking this milestone is the appointment of Dr Peter Sherlock as the inaugural Vice-Chancellor of Australia’s newest and first ever ‘Specialised University’ – MCD University of Divinity.

Dr Sherlock is currently Dean of the United Faculty of Theology at Parkville, one of the Recognised Teaching Institutions of the University.  He takes up the position in April this year, following the retirement of Professor Paul Beirne after 12 years at Melbourne College of Divinity, 11 years as its Dean and CEO. 

Dr Sherlock stated “I am deeply honoured to assume this leadership role at MCD University of Divinity as the institution enters its second century of offering academically rigorous awards in Divinity and associated disciplines in an ecumenical environment. As the nation’s sixth oldest self-accrediting Higher Education institution, MCD University of Divinity is well prepared to take its place in the Australian university sector.”

Announcing the appointment, the Chancellor of MCD University of Divinity, Dr Graeme Blackman OAM said: “The Council is very pleased to appoint Dr Sherlock to the role of Vice-Chancellor. His strong research, teaching and administrative background  will ensure that MCD University of Divinity is well placed to make a significant contribution to research and teaching in the specialist areas of theology, religious studies and philosophy.”

Dr Blackman said: “Under its new leadership, MCD University of Divinity aims to continue to expand the outstanding work of the century old Melbourne College of Divinity, conducted in an academically rigorous, ecumenical environment of free and open intellectual inquiry.”

Dr Graeme L Blackman OAM, Chancellor MCD University of Divinity, M) 0403 346 650

Background to Dr Peter Sherlock

Dr Peter Sherlock is currently Dean of the United Faculty of Theology at MCD University of Divinity. A graduate of the University of Melbourne, in 2000 he completed doctoral studies at the University of Oxford where he held a Commonwealth Scholarship. Dr Sherlock was appointed Dean of the United Faculty of Theology in 2008. He was previously a Lecturer and an ARC Postdoctoral Fellow in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne. He is author of Monuments and Memory in Early Modern England and several articles on the Reformation, British missions, and the role of women in the church. Dr Sherlock’s current research project is a history of the monuments of Westminster Abbey.

Background to MCD University of Divinity

MCD University of Divinity delivers Australian Qualifications Framework higher education qualifications in the field of Philosophy and Religious Studies, offering courses from Diploma to Doctoral level in Ministry, Theology, and Philosophy. In 2010, MCD’s research culture was rated as ‘at world standard’ by the Australian Research Council’s Excellence in Research for Australia exercise. Teaching for Coursework awards at MCD University of Divinity is conducted through ten Recognised Teaching Institutions, located in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. The federated structure under which MCD University of Divinity operates represents a new model for a university operation in Australia.

• Stirling Theological College
• Whitley College
• United Faculty of Theology
• The Institute for Christian Spirituality & Pastoral Formation
• The Salvation Army Training College
• Yarra Theological Union
• Catholic Theological College
• Australian Lutheran College
• St. Athanasius Coptic Orthodox Theological College
• Morling College