I am delighted to take my place as the 11th Principal of Burgmann College.
While I bring over two decades of experience in executive residential college roles, including 11 years as Head of College, every college I have served has its own unique distinctions. Burgmann’s long commitment to egalitarianism, including its insistence that residents must be central to the College's governance, was a great attraction for me. In my own leadership in colleges, residents have been at the heart of everything. I gladly take up the baton of leadership, embracing all that has made Burgmann such a unique and special place of transformation, leadership development, friendship, and opportunities for its residents. I look forward to working with you in ensuring that Burgmann remains a leading college nationally; ‘the place to become’ at the ANU.
During this first month of my tenure, I have had many conversations with residents in the Dining Hall, listening to why they love Burgmann and hearing about their hopes for next year. I am impressed with how smart, articulate and committed our residents are! During Leadership Team training this week, I have enjoyed planning and training sessions with our resident leaders. They are thrilled to take up the mantle of leadership and ensure that the more than 100 new Burgmann residents who are joining us next February will be challenged, included, and seamlessly folded into our community.
I have met our Council and attended my first Board meeting and several committee meetings, and again, have been impressed with the calibre of our governance committees; the way Members work together and really listen. Volunteers are at the heart of governance in colleges, and we are so fortunate to have the volunteers that we do.
It has been a joy to witness how dedicated, hard-working, and deeply committed the Burgmann staff are to our residents, upholding Burgmann’s model of pastoral care in their everyday work. Their relationship with our residents is stunning. The senior team has borne an enormous amount of work this year and has delivered brilliantly.
There has only been one college in the nation that I have applied for outside of Melbourne. Burgmann has long had my attention, and now that our children are adults, Simon and I are looking forward to getting to know Canberra better. So far, I have really enjoyed the beauty of the campus, the magic of the lake, and how quick it is to get anywhere. While I am not looking forward to the winter, the joy of this season should carry me through (she says hopefully!).
I have been working with the senior staff team to draft a new five-year strategic plan. It will go through many iterations as I consult with the community. My plan is to position the College well for a long and successful future. Our alumni and friends are the bedrock of the College’s history and future, and I look forward to getting to know you better and hearing your own plans for supporting and nurturing that future.
I am looking forward to sharing more news with you at one of our upcoming events. We have our Sydney event on 21 March, our Melbourne event on 28 April, and Back-to-Burg Weekend over 19–20 September, where we will celebrate the 55th anniversary of Burgmann College.
Mark your diaries—I can’t wait to meet you.
Dr Brenda Holt
Principal of Burgmann College
