Curtin University’s new Chancellor, Mr Colin Beckett, was invested by His Excellency Mr Malcolm McCusker, Governor of Western Australia, at a formal ceremony conducted at its Bentley Campus on Friday.
Mr Beckett, Chevron Australia’s General Manager Greater Gorgon Area succeeded Dr Jim Gill, former WA Water Corporation Chief Executive Officer on 1 January 2013.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jeanette Hacket said Mr Beckett had a long-standing relationship with the University, having been on its Council since October 2010 and the Advisory Board of the Curtin Business School from July 2009, until his appointment as Chancellor. She believes his outstanding leadership ability will be highly valued as Curtin embraces its new vision and strives to achieve its strategic goals.
“Mr Beckett brings a wealth of industry experience and knowledge and under his leadership we look forward to an exciting future based on a commitment to innovation and excellence in teaching and research,” Professor Hacket said.
Mr Beckett said he was honoured to become Curtin’s seventh Chancellor.
“Curtin’s success is significant for such a young university. The research outcomes and education achievements since its establishment have been extraordinary and the University has earned a reputation as an innovative institution. I am extremely proud to become part of the next chapter of Curtin’s future,” Mr Beckett said.
Mr Beckett has more than 35 years’ experience in the upstream oil and gas industry, including 13 years with Chevron Australia.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Mr Beckett graduated with a Master degree in Engineering and was involved with the design, construction and project management of major oil and gas field developments before relocating to Australia in 1988.
He has been in his present position since 2005, and is responsible for the development of the $52 billion Gorgon Project being built on Barrow Island, off Australia’s north west coast.
Mr Beckett previously served on the Board of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) for 10 years, and is currently a member of the Scitech Board, the WA Technology and Industry Advisory Council and the Resources Sector Suppliers Advisory Forum.
The ceremony was attended by around 200 guests including Federal and State ministers and shadow ministers, senior industry figures and representatives from other Western Australia universities.
Notes to Editor:
Available: selection of images from the official Investiture ceremony.
Media Contact:
Megan Meates, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241; Mobile: 0401 103 755; Email: megan.meates@curtin.edu.au
