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Professor Dawn Freshwater has been formally installed as the 18th Vice-Chancellor of The University of Western Australia.

The celebration of the appointment of the University’s new Vice-Chancellor took place inside UWA’s iconic Winthrop Hall last night. UWA Chancellor Dr Michael Chaney welcomed the Vice-Chancellor with a robing ceremony in front of an audience of more than 500 invited guests.

During the ceremony the Chancellor presented Professor Freshwater with her Vice-Chancellor’s robe and cap – formally symbolising her appointment as the lead academic of the state’s oldest university.

In her formal acceptance speech, Professor Freshwater said she was delighted to take responsibility for overseeing the future vision of the University at a time when education and skills development have never been more important.

“As the newly appointed 18th Vice-Chancellor I look forward to helping write the next successful chapter of The University of Western Australia’s story,” Professor Freshwater said.

“We need to make sure our imagination is never limited and UWA has a great role to play in growing the imagination.”

Professor Freshwater held the position of Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Registrar at UWA for the past three years. Prior to that she was at the University of Leeds in the UK.

UWA Chancellor Dr Michael Chaney said Professor Freshwater’s academic background and leadership skills will form a solid foundation for the University’s future.

“We are confident that we have the right Vice Chancellor to lead the University through its next phase of growth and success,” Dr Chaney said.

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media Manager)                                          (+61 8) 6488 3229 / (+61 4) 32 637 716