Charles Darwin University (CDU) Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman will continue as the institution’s leader for the next five years.
Professor Bowman’s contract was due to expire in April 2026.
When taking the helm in 2020, the university sector had been facing an existential threat due to the COVID19 restrictions that prevented business-as-usual and closed down campuses across the country.
Professor Bowman said navigating through the pandemic was challenging, but he had never seen greater uncertainty in the sector during his time as a VC than what universities faced today.
“Post-COVID19 there was a concerted effort from everyone to get back on track, now there are a lot of different ideas on what the future of higher education in Australia looks like,” he said.
He said the University continued to move forward and can quickly adapt to change by focusing on the needs of the Territory.
In the last five years, the CDU leadership has established CDU TAFE, secured funding for a medical program, opened campuses across the NT, grown First Nations engagement, and built a campus in the heart of Darwin.
It is this work and more that Professor Bowman believes will set him up for success as he guides the University into its next chapter.
“This University has a great history and the things we’ve achieved over the last five years are very much building on the successes and legacy of the past,” Professor Bowman said.
“The University has always punched above its weight in research and performed well in the equity space.
“Building on those foundations, I would say one of my biggest achievements over the last five years was building a strong leadership team and culture.
“Without a great team it’s hard to reach your goals, and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing in the next five years.”
Professor Bowman said he looked forward to continuing the University’s legacy over the next five years and seeing the institution’s plans come to fruition.
Part of that investment included the University’s push to become a transnational university through the development of a campus in London and partnerships in Indonesia and India.
He said investing in the University’s international ventures was an investment in the NT and its future.
“Exporting Australian education opportunities obviously brings in resources for the University to draw on, but from a cultural perspective, we know that bringing international students here enriches the Northern Territory and our community,” Professor Bowman said.
“Similarly, we’ll be bringing our culture of resilience – and I think that word sums up Territorians – to places like London, and if we can incorporate the Territory’s resilience into our programs far and wide, then I think we’ll be exporting something really special.
“Charles Darwin University was a great University before I got here, and I want to see it continue to be a great University after I’ve gone as well.”
CDU Chancellor Trevor Riley AO KC congratulated Professor Bowman on his renewed contract.
"Under Scott's leadership the University has successfully navigated several significant challenges that have affected the entire sector and the community,” he said.
“There are many challenges that remain and I look forward to working alongside Scott to address those challenges.”
Contact details:
Sierra Haigh she/her
Communications Officer
Marketing, Media & Communications
Larrakia Country
E: [email protected]
W: cdu.edu.au
Charles Darwin University acknowledges all First Nations people across the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders both past and present.
CRICOS Provider No. 00300K | RTO Provider No. 0373 | TEQSA Provider ID PRV12069