Professor Rohan Pitchford
My name is Rohan Pitchford, and I am a Professor of Economics with a longstanding connection to the Â鶹´«Ã½AV National University. I completed my undergraduate studies at ANU before earning my PhD in Economics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ANU has been instrumental in shaping my academic and professional journey, and I remain deeply committed to its mission and future.
Throughout my career, I have taken a strong and sustained interest in the financial governance of higher education institutions. I believe that ANU Council members must uphold their fiduciary duty with diligence, transparency, and a clear understanding of the economic landscape in which the university operates. Now, more than ever, as the university navigates a period of financial adjustment and change, it is critical that the Council includes voices that bring both financial expertise and a principled commitment to academic integrity.
I have closely examined the university's budget and financial statements. While financial challenges are inevitable and must be addressed with care, I do not believe that ANU’s current fiscal position justifies the scale and severity of the proposed change management initiatives. The university is not in financial crisis. It is not insolvent, nor is it approaching insolvency. In fact, ANU remains in a fundamentally sound financial position, with significant assets and a strong reputation that continues to attract students, staff, and funding.
The task ahead is not one of emergency retrenchment, but of thoughtful, strategic stewardship. If elected to Council, I will advocate for responsible financial planning that safeguards the core values of the university: academic excellence, research leadership, and a commitment to the broader public good. I believe in a balanced approach—one that ensures long-term sustainability without compromising the educational and research standards that make ANU one of the world’s leading institutions.
I would be honoured to serve on the Council and contribute to the wise and principled oversight that ANU deserves.
