Alec Lazenby

Alec Lazenby (born 4 March 1927) is a British academic who has held positions at the University of Cambridge, University of New England, University of Tasmania, the Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research and the Welsh Plant Breeding Station. Lazenby served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England from 1970 to 1976, and the University of Tasmania from 1982 to 1990.

Early life and career Lazenby was born in Yorkshire on 4 March 1927. He attended Wath Grammar School, before studying for a BSc and MSc in Agriculture at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. He was appointed an emeritus professor when his term as Vice-Chancellor ended in 1977. During his time as Vice-Chancellor, Lazenby lived in the Vice-Chancellor's official residence "Trevenna".

In 1971, he strongly supported an amalgamation of the University of New England and the Armidale Teachers' College. In June 1971 he asked the Academic Planning Committee to comment on the possible amalgamation because he believed "Armidale was too small for two independent tertiary institutions." However the suggested amalgamation was opposed by the staff of both institutions and was eventually overturned by the Hawke government when it took office in 1983.

Return to Australia Lazenby returned to Australia in early 1982 and was appointed the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tasmania on 21 October 1982 replacing David Caro. He held the position until 1990 and was succeeded by Alan Gilbert. Lazenby also received the Centenary Medal in the 2001 New Year's Honours "for service to Australian society in rural science and technology".