ECU Chancellor Gaye McMath and newly invested ECU Vice Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock with His Excellency the Governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson.
The ceremony's esteemed guests included, His Excellency the Governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson, Minister for Education the Honourable Tony Buti, ECU Chancellor Gaye McMath, with ECU Executive and staff and valued Alumni, family and friends.
The ceremony had a unique ECU flavour, opening with a lively procession through Joondalup's beautiful campus, led by WAAPA based percussion group Defying Gravity, after which guests enjoyed more WAAPA musical talent with a Jazz Piano Trio and duo Sholto Foss and Stewart Smith, and an energetic traditional dance by the Wadumbah Dance Group.
VC Investiture procession led by WAAPA based percussion group Defying Gravity.
The Investiture is a time-honoured tradition that marks the formal 'vesting' of the Vice-Chancellor into their role. While Professor Pollock commenced her tenure in October 2024, this ceremony serves as an official recognition of her leadership and vision for the University's future.
Chancellor Gaye McMath presided over the event, joining with the Governor of Western Australia, the Honourable Chris Dawson in acknowledging Professor Pollock's extensive leadership experience and commitment to higher education.
"We are delighted to officially invest Professor Clare Pollock as ECU's Vice-Chancellor. Her deep expertise in academic leadership, strategic vision, and dedication to student success will play a pivotal role in ECU's ongoing transformation," Ms McMath said.
ECU Chancellor Gaye McMath, His Excellency the Governor of Western Australia, Chris Dawson and ECU Vice Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock enjoying the Wadumbah Dancers.
A highly respected leader in the Australian higher education sector, Professor Pollock brings over two decades of experience to the role, having previously served as Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Western Sydney University. Her career also includes leadership roles at Flinders University and Curtin University, where she led strategic initiatives in academic quality, research advancement, and institutional growth.
Reflecting on the significance of the Investiture, Professor Pollock expressed her gratitude and excitement for leading ECU during a transformative period.
"ECU has built a reputation for excellence in student experience, research innovation, and industry engagement. I am honoured to lead this incredible University as we continue to grow, including the launch of our new ECU City campus in 2026," Professor Pollock said.
She also acknowledged the legacy of her predecessor, Professor Steve Chapman, who led ECU for nearly a decade, overseeing significant milestones such as the expansion of ECU's global footprint and the development of the new city campus.
"Professor Chapman's leadership has positioned ECU as a national leader in higher education. I look forward to building on that success, fostering inclusivity, and strengthening our partnerships with industry and community," she added.
Since joining ECU, Professor Pollock has engaged closely with students, staff, and stakeholders, reinforcing her commitment to ECU's values of integrity, respect, rational inquiry, personal excellence, and courage.
As ECU embarks on an exciting new chapter, Professor Pollock's leadership is set to shape the University's future, driving innovation, research excellence, and student success. The University community eagerly anticipates the impact of her vision as ECU continues its upward trajectory as a leader in higher education.
The ceremony was a fitting tribute to the University's legacy, celebrating its past achievements while looking ahead to a promising future under Professor Pollock's stewardship.
