FORMER WA Governor Kerry Sanderson has been elected as Edith Cowan University’s fourth Chancellor.
Mrs Sanderson is the first woman to hold the position at ECU. She takes over from Hendy Cowan, who is retiring after 14 years in the role.
“I am looking forward to joining a dynamic and interesting team which is already receiving strong accolades,” she said.
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READ NOWECU Vice-Chancellor Steve Chapman welcomed the election.
“The ECU Council and the University executive are unanimous in our enthusiasm for the appointment of Kerry Sanderson,” Professor Chapman said.
“Kerry has an impeccable track record in both the public and corporate sectors. “Her leadership and experience will be invaluable assets in taking ECU’s council forward from 2019.”
Mrs Sanderson said ECU was leading in several important areas such as cyber crime, its WAAPA program and being the top public university in Australia in terms of student experience.
Professor Chapman thanked Dr Cowan.
“Hendy’s wisdom and experience have been greatly appreciated by the council and the university executive over the past 14 years, during which time he has worked constructively and productively with three Vice-Chancellors,” Professor Chapman said.
“I wish him all the very best for his well-earned retirement from public life.”
As the university’s governing body, the council appoints the Vice-Chancellor, approves the mission, strategic direction and annual budget of the university, and oversees its management.
Former High Court judge Robert French and Robert Nicholson preceded Dr Cowan as ECU Chancellors.