Professor Maryam Omari, Executive Dean School of Business and Law.
Edith Cowan University (ECU) is proud to announce its feature in The Commonwealth at 75, an official commemorative book marking the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth. This elegant hardback, produced by St James's House, celebrates the rich history, enduring impact and the individuals and institutions that have contributed to the Commonwealth's success. ECU's inclusion highlights the University's School of Business and Law, and the visionary leadership of its Executive Dean, Professor Maryam Omari.
Professor Omari, a long-standing figure at ECU, expressed her pride in the institution's recognition: "It is an honour to see our University featured in such a significant publication. Edith Cowan herself was a trailblazer for democracy and social justice, and we continue to draw inspiration from her values in everything we do."
The feature celebrates ECU's journey, noting its origins and the remarkable progress of the School of Business and Law under Professor Omari's leadership. Since assuming the role of Executive Dean, Professor Maryam Omari has been instrumental in elevating the school's reputation on the global stage. ECU is now ranked among the top 250 universities worldwide for business and economics in the Times Higher Education rankings and the school has earned prestigious AACSB International accreditation – a status achieved by only 6% of business schools worldwide.
Professor Maryam Omari
Reflecting on these achievements, Professor Omari said, "Our success is rooted in the culture we've created at ECU. We have focused on attracting not just great scholars but excellent human beings. This, combined with a modernised curriculum, has allowed us to rise in the rankings and attract even stronger students and academics. Success truly breeds success."
The feature also acknowledges ECU's bold future, with the School of Business and Law set to relocate to a state-of-the-art campus in Perth's city centre in 2026. This move will strengthen ties with national and multinational businesses, opening new opportunities for Work Integrated Learning programmes, which are essential in kick-starting students' careers.
As Professor Omari stated, "Our relocation to the heart of Perth's business district will position us even closer to industry and create countless opportunities for our students. The School of Business and Law is poised for continued growth, and I am passionate about ensuring our institution remains at the forefront of education and industry collaboration."
Professor Omari was invited to the official launch of the book at Westminster Abbey in London on 9 October 2024 with over 600 guests from around the Commonwealth in attendance.
This remarkable recognition in The Commonwealth at 75 is a testament to ECU's enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and community engagement. The university, much like its namesake Edith Cowan, continues to strive for a better future – for its students, the state of Western Australia and beyond.
