Professor H K Chang, University President, announced on 13 December that Dr Ellen Ko Law Yin-lan was appointed Vice-President (Administration) with immediate effect for a period of two years. Dr Ko, Director of Human Resources, has been concurrently Acting Vice-President (Administration) since April 2006.

The issues concerning the Community College of City University and campus development are both urgent tasks for the University, according to Professor Chang. After assessing the current situation, Professor Chang has decided to appoint a substantive Vice-President (Administration) with the blessings and support from most of the Council members and senior colleagues.

“This person must be able to undertake these urgent tasks with knowledge, devotion, skills and a keen sense to balance the University’s and the individual’s interests,” Professor Chang said. “I ask for all colleagues’ support for Dr Ellen Ko, who has served this University for more than twenty years with total dedication and an outstanding record.”

Dr Ko said it was an honour to assume the role of Vice-President (Administration). “Preparing the University for the implementation of the four-year curriculum is undoubtedly our foremost challenge. Appropriate pay packages, a collegial and comfortable physical ambiance as well as healthy financial status will enable us to attract and retain well-qualified staff to contribute to CityU’s success in the transition, and to maintain our performance in providing quality education for society. I will continue to lead my team to work closely with the CityU community to provide the necessary administrative support to achieve these goals” she said.

Dr Ko has served CityU since 1986. She has worked for various administrative departments, schools and faculties including the President’s Office. She is an experienced administrator with a portfolio encompassing student affairs, course planning and validation, institutional accreditation, research grant approval, budget and manpower planning and monitoring. She had been the Director of Human Resources since 2002.

Mrs Eva Ng Li Yee-wah, currently Associate Director of Human Resources, will at the same time take on the position of Acting Director of Human Resources pending the outcome of a search which shall begin as soon as is practicable.