ECU Welcomes new Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock

First published by Edith Cowan University

Edith Cowan University (ECU) is pleased to announce that Professor Clare Pollock has officially commenced her role as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University today, bringing with her over two decades of leadership experience in higher education.

Professor Pollock joins ECU from Western Sydney University, where she served as Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost. Her impressive career also includes leadership roles at Flinders University and Curtin University, where she oversaw critical areas such as academic quality, research advancement and strategic growth initiatives.

Chancellor Gaye McMath welcomed Professor Pollock's arrival.

"We are delighted to have Professor Pollock on board," Ms McMath said. "Her extensive experience in the sector, combined with her deep commitment to equity, student success and research excellence, makes her an outstanding choice to lead ECU into an exciting new era."

At Western Sydney University, Professor Pollock played a pivotal role in strengthening the university’s ties with the local community, spearheading projects such as the development of the state-of-the-art Bankstown City Campus, which opened in 2023. She is recognised across the higher education sector for her clear vision, collaborative leadership style and her ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for both students and staff.

Reflecting on her appointment, Professor Pollock shared her enthusiasm for joining ECU and leading the University during this period of growth and transformation.

"ECU has a strong reputation for its focus on student satisfaction, research innovation and industry engagement, and I'm excited to be part of a University that is making a real difference in the lives of its students and in the community," Professor Pollock said.

"I look forward to working closely with students, staff, alumni and our industry partners to continue ECU's upward trajectory, particularly as we prepare to open the new ECU City campus in the heart of Perth," she added.

A key figure in the Australian higher education landscape, Professor Pollock holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of London and has dedicated much of her research career to improving safety outcomes through the application of psychological principles. She is also a champion of student equity and sustainability and is committed to ensuring that ECU continues to be a place where all students can thrive.

Professor Pollock is passionate about creating an inclusive, supportive and innovative learning environment. She has a proven track record of driving initiatives that amplify student voices, enhance the learning experience and strengthen institutional ties with alumni.

"The lifelong connection between students and their University is something I hold in the highest regard," Professor Pollock said. "I'm eager to further develop ECU's engagement with its alumni community, ensuring that our graduates remain connected and can contribute to shaping the future of the University."

Professor Pollock's arrival comes at a pivotal time for ECU as the University prepares for the highly anticipated opening of the ECU City campus—a transformative project set to establish ECU as a leader in urban education and innovation.

Her leadership is expected to play a key role in driving ECU's ongoing success in the global rankings, building its research capabilities and strengthening relationships with industry and the wider community.

As the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pollock is poised to lead ECU towards greater achievements, with a focus on enhancing the student experience, advancing research and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity.