Curtin University recently awarded former Vice-Chancellor Jeanette Hacket with an Honorary Doctorate of Technology.
Dr Hacket retired last August, following a 33-year career at the University that included serving as Vice-Chancellor from 2006 to 2013.
Curtin Chancellor Mr Colin Beckett said the University Council was pleased to bestow Dr Hacket with the Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her exceptional service to Curtin and the higher education sector, and her outstanding contribution to the wider community.
“Dr Hacket’s outstanding career at Curtin was characterised by her bold vision and sound and ethical leadership, and the widespread recognition of the University as an important knowledge hub in the region is testimony to the initiatives she led,” Mr Beckett said.
“Under her leadership, student numbers at Curtin increased significantly, educational programs were enhanced, research intensified, multi-million dollar capital works program were completed and the University’s national and international reputation grew remarkably.”
Dr Hacket holds an undergraduate degree in law and a Master of Laws (Distinction) from The University of Western Australia, and a PhD (Chancellor’s Commendation) in Strategic Management from Curtin.
After several years as a legal practitioner and partner with Perth-based firm Frank Unmack and Cullen, Dr Hacket moved to Curtin in 1980 and took on a variety of senior roles, including Dean of International Programs (1996-2001), Pro Vice-Chancellor of International and Enterprise (2002-2004) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (2004-2006).
Significant achievements during her time in leadership positions included the opening of Curtin campuses in Sarawak (1999), Sydney (2005) and Singapore (2008), the creation of the Australian Sustainable Development Institute and Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (both 2008), the establishment of the Resources and Chemistry Precinct and Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (both 2009) and the launch of the Murchison Widefield Array (2012) which was led by Curtin, and Curtin Law School (2013).
Dr Hacket also served as the chair of the governing board of Penrhos College and as chair of the Amanda Young Foundation, a non-profit organisation.
During Dr Hacket’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Curtin was ranked among the top 500 research universities in the annual global listing by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
