Former Dean of Medicine Dental and Health Services (MDHS) Professor James (Jim) Angus AO FAA recently stepped aside as the MU Sport Advisory Board chair after six years of exceptional leadership.
Professor Angus became chair in May 2015, shortly after completing a 10-year term as the MDHS Dean. Before becoming chair, Jim had a strong family connection to sport at the University, as his son Damien received 13 Sporting Blues, a record number, representing the University in Cross Country, Cycling, Duathlon, Marathon and Triathlon over a 7 year period.
During his tenure as chair, Jim oversaw the adoption of the new Strategic Plan for Sport (Sport Matters at Melbourne – It Inspires, Connects and Leads), resulting in the introduction of a guaranteed entry scheme for elite student-athletes, and a range of policies and programs to increase engagement and participation from underrepresented student groups. This included the Water Safety Program for international students and the Indigenous Sport, Pride in Sport and Strong Women programs, along with a significant increase in programs and services for students located at the University’s smaller metro and regional campuses.
One of the highlights for Jim was MU Sport being awarded the Australian Sporting Organisation of the Year for Inclusion at the 2019 Pride in Sport Awards. Jim has been replaced by former Senior Vice-Principal Ian Marshman AM on the Board.
Image: Professor James Angus alongside his wife Helen at the Australian Boat Race in Sydney