Vale Emeritus Professor Tony Watson

Tony was a foundational figure at ECU, dedicating more than three decades to shaping the institution and advancing the fields of computing, cybersecurity and higher education. His leadership and vision were instrumental in ECU's growth, helping to establish the university as a leader in technology and education.

Tony's impact on ECU was profound. As a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International & Research), Executive Dean of Computing, Health & Science and Head of School, he played a key role in developing programs that have served hundreds of thousands of students. His early contributions included establishing ECU's Engineering program from the ground up and significantly expanding its computer science offerings. Beyond ECU, Tony was a respected cybersecurity researcher, government advisor and champion for international education and commercialisation.

He started his academic career in 1968 when the institution was still known as Western Australian Secondary Teachers College (WASTC) and in the following decades his accomplishments became widely recognised. In 2007, Tony was honoured as a Companion of Engineers Australia, the highest level of membership awarded to individuals outside the engineering profession. He was also an Honorary Life Member of the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and served in numerous leadership roles, including WA Chair of the ACS Foundation and Chair of the ECU Security Research Institute Advisory Board. His dedication to the field extended to advisory roles with organisations such as CSIRO and the Australian Data and Cyber Institute.

Beyond his remarkable professional achievements, Tony was a humble and generous man who went out of his way to help others. Colleagues and friends have described him as "an inspiring leader and great supporter of the ECU community," "a wonderful colleague and great ECU visionary," and "a true gentleman who made a mark with both staff and students."

One former student and colleague reflected, "He was first of all my teacher, then a mentor and guide in my formative years - as the first batch of Engineering undergraduates at ECU. In my career as an academic, Tony was a friend and leader who helped guide my career. He went out of his way to try and do what was right, even when things weren't quite right. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. We shall all miss him as a gentleman and scholar."

Tony's legacy also includes his contributions to the Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) specialist internship program with the ACS Foundation. His empathy and dedication to supporting neurodivergent students were evident in his commitment to ensuring they had the pathways and support to thrive in the IT industry. As one colleague noted, "Tony's dedication and belief in the strengths of neurodivergent individuals made a lasting impact, not just on AASQA but on the many students whose careers he helped shape. His legacy will continue through the opportunities he helped create and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of working with him."

Tony leaves behind his beloved wife Stephanie, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage, along with three children, six grandchildren and countless colleagues, mentees and students whose lives he enriched.

The ECU community mourns the loss of this extraordinary leader and visionary. Our deepest condolences go out to Tony's family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His contributions to higher education, technology and cybersecurity will continue to inspire generations to come.