University Executive Facing Controversy Steps Down from $1 Million Position

Embattled Australian National University vice-chancellor Genevieve Bell has resigned from her role.

The decision to step down follows a tumultuous year for the university marked by cost-cutting, allegations of bullying and proposed course changes.

The plum role saw the professor earn a starting salary of more than $1.1 million last year before she took a 10 per cent pay cut in December as the institution planned a sweeping cost-cutting program.

Bell said the decision to resign was “not easy” as the university was a “special place” for her.

“Like the rest of our community, I believe firmly in our delivering on our national mission, to create and transmit knowledge through research and teaching of the highest quality,” she said in a statement.

“And know that doing this requires a solid financial, cultural and operational foundation.

“Achieving such a foundation has been difficult and this has been a very hard time for our community.

“I am grateful for all the ways that people have shown up and for all the work that has been done and the progress we have made.”

Chancellor Julie Bishop thanked Bell for her service in a statement on the university’s website today.

ANU announced its decision in October last year to save $250 million in operating costs by 2026, including $100 million in salaries through cuts and restructures.

Both the plan and Bell’s leadership have been the subject of scrutiny from the National Teritary Education Union, staff and students.

The institution also proposed changes to the university’s school of music as a part of a restructure.

The plan sparked immediate backlash from staff, students and members of the arts community.

Union members have previously voiced their support for a vote of no confidence against Bell and Chancellor Julie Bishop.

Bishop’s role came under scrutiny when former ANU council member Liz Allen accused Bishop of bullying during a senate inquiry.

The chancellor denied any wrongdoing, saying she had never heard of the allegations before they were aired last month.

The university formed a group to oversee an investigation into the incident.

Bell said the university still had “more work to do” in order for the institution to “thrive into the future”.

“I don’t want to stand in the way of that,” she said.

Bell said she planned to take time off, including a period of study leave, before returning to the university as a distinguished professor in the school of cybernetics