Sanderson to replace Cowan as ECU chancellor

Edith Cowan University’s longest-serving chancellor, Hendy Cowan, will retire from his position after 14 years in the role. 

Former governor of Western Australia Kerry Sanderson has been named Mr Cowan's successor, from January 2019; she will be the university's fourth chancellor and the first woman to hold the position.

Mrs Sanderson is currently chair of St John of God Health Care and WA Parks Foundation, and the patron of organisations including Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Heart Foundation and Lifeline WA.

Dr Cowan was the former deputy premier of Western Australia served as Member for Merredin-Yilgarn (later renamed Merredin) for a total of 27 years, including 23 years as leader of The Nationals WA.

He retired from politics in 2001, and is currently a board member for Cancer Council WA.

Mr Cowan is a grandnephew of Edith Cowan, the first woman elected as a representative in an Australian parliament.

Vice-chancellor Steve Chapman thanked Mr Cowan for his dedication to the role.

“Hendy has led a distinguished career spanning many decades across politics, education and farming,” Professor Chapman said.

“He has made a monumental contribution to ECU and it has been an honour and a privilege to serve with Hendy.”

Since joining the ECU council in 2004, Mr Cowan has chaired 83 council meetings, attended more than 100 graduation ceremonies and presented 70,000 graduands with their testamurs.

In an address at his farewell event last week, Mr Cowan said he appreciated his time at ECU.

“It has been a great honour to serve and I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to take on the role of chancellor of Edith Cowan University,” he said.

In 2004, Mr Cowan won the Governor’s Award for Regional Development in the Citizen of the Year Awards, and was appointed an officer of the Order of Australia in 2014.