Meet the Vice-Chancellor

Professor Theo Farrell

Professor Theo Farrell commenced as Vice-Chancellor and President of La Trobe University in February 2024. He brings a deep commitment to advancing academic excellence, building inclusive communities, forging external partnerships, and leading transformative change.

Prior to joining La Trobe, Professor Farrell held a number of leadership roles including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Students), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), and Executive Dean of Law, Humanities and the Arts, all at the University of Wollongong, and Dean of Arts and Social Sciences at City, University of London. From 2006 to 2016, he held a chair in online learning at King’s College London. At UOW, City and King’s, Professor Farrell led numerous initiatives to develop research capacities, innovate learning and teaching, and enhance student experience.

Professor Farrell has held ten UK research council awards. His most recent book, Unwinnable: Britain’s War in Afghanistan (Vintage 2021), was shortlisted for three national book awards and selected book of the year by The Sunday Times. Professor Farrell is a champion of real-world impact from academic research. A leading expert on the conflict in Afghanistan, he acted as strategic advisor to the UK government and the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, and participated in track II talks with the Taliban.

Professor Farrell is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences (UK), Fellow of the Royal Society of New South Wales, Visiting Professor at King’s College London, and past President of the British International Studies Association.

I’m really excited about what La Trobe will achieve in the years ahead. We combine excellence, access, and innovation to address the big issues facing our region and create a positive impact for communities around the world.

Professor Theo Farrell
Vice-Chancellor,
La Trobe University

From the VC's desk

See the latest blogs from Professor Farrell.

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Contact details

Email

Enquiries should be addressed to: VC@latrobe.edu.au

Executive Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor

Rosemary Nanev
T: +61 3 9479 2000
E: R.Nanev@latrobe.edu.au

Student complaints

Please note, all student complaints should be directed through our student complaints management system. This is the formal mechanism for students to lodge concerns about any aspect of their University experience, and is the most efficient and effective means of addressing your concerns.