PROFESSOR Kerry Cox, who spent his early academic life in Western Australia and has since gained extensive experience in higher education around the world, has been appointed the next vice-chancellor of Edith Cowan University (ECU) after an international search. He will take up his five-year term in March next year, following the retirement of Professor Millicent Poole in December after more than eight years in the role. Professor Cox, 59, has been vice-chancellor of the University of Ballarat and presently chairs the Victorian Vice Chancellors Committee. ECU chancellor Hendy Cowan said Professor Cox had a strong record of establishing links between universities and government, business, industry and community groups. He said the appointment also clarified ECU’s planning for the future in that the governing council “does not intend ECU to be part of any merger considerations”.