Announcing the 11th Master of Ormond College 

On behalf of the Ormond College Council, I am delighted to announce that following an extensive search process, that generated significant and high quality interest, Vice Master, Dr. Areti Metuamate, has been appointed as the 11th Master of Ormond College.

Dr. Metuamate, known affectionately as Ari, joined the Ormond community in February 2023 from St John’s College at the University of Queensland. Since his arrival, Ari has quickly established himself as a connected and innovative leader, deeply committed to enhancing the student experience and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. His key achievements include fostering a strong student culture, reinvigorating Ormond’s speaker and fellows programs, engaging with alumni and Ormond families around Australia and abroad, and delivery of the College’s latest Reconciliation Action Plan.

Ari lives on campus with his wife, Associate Professor Jessa Rogers, a leading Wiradjuri academic who is also an Ormond Fellow, and their sons Fox and Iluka.

Our new Master brings over 12 years of leadership experience in collegiate environments, having held senior roles at St Mark’s College in Adelaide, St Albert’s College in Armidale, and Toad Hall at the Australian National University (ANU). In addition to his leadership expertise, Ari has extensive experience in Indigenous and education policy, as well as governance across both Australia and New Zealand.

Ari’s academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) from Victoria University of Wellington, a Master’s in Strategic and Defence Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pacific Studies, both from ANU.

In reflecting on his new role, Ari shared:

“It is a real honour to be appointed Master of Ormond College, following the outstanding leadership of Lara McKay. Ormond is a community renowned for its rich history, beautiful campus, and strong tradition of fostering personal and intellectual growth. I am deeply committed to ensuring that we provide an environment where every student at Ormond thrives, and where they are supported to question, explore, and challenge ideas and norms in a safe and respectful way.

Our strength as a community lies in the diversity of our talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Every applicant to Ormond should be able to imagine themselves here, and when they come, they should feel that they belong – that they are known and seen.  I am dedicated to working with the Council, our outstanding staff, the University, and our alumni community, to ensure that every student at Ormond is inspired and equipped to go out and make a meaningful contribution to our rapidly changing world.”

As we welcome Ari into this important leadership role, we also take this moment to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of Master Lara McKay, who will be departing Ormond this month after six years of outstanding service. Lara’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in solidifying Ormond’s reputation as one of the leading Colleges in the country. Throughout her tenure, she navigated the challenges of the pandemic with grace, developed a visionary masterplan for our heritage campus, increased diversity and inclusivity, and consistently championed the wellbeing and success of our students.

We are fortunate to have found such a well-aligned successor in Ari, whose immediate appointment will ensure a seamless transition as we support students through exams and begin preparations for the 2025 academic year. In addition, we will soon begin the search for a new Vice Master.

Please join me in congratulating Ari on this remarkable appointment. I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to Lara for her dedicated service and to wish her every success in her new role as Vice President, Engagement at QUT.

To our entire Ormond community, thank you for your continued support during this time of transition. Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ari or Lara at ormond@ormond.unimelb.edu.au.

Warm regards,

Richard Loveridge  
Chair of Ormond College Council