College Leadership
Seventh Warden elected
A new chapter in the history of Trinity College commenced in November 2006 when
the College Council unanimously elected the Director of the Trinity College Theological
School, the Revd Dr Andrew McGowan, as the College’s seventh Warden.
This followed the announcement, in June, of the appointment of the sixth Warden,
Professor Donald Markwell, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at The University of Western Australia effective from January 2007. Professor Markwell, who had been Warden since 1997, took accumulated long service leave, study leave, and annual leave from 1 September, with Dr McGowan serving as Acting Warden from that date until taking up the Wardenship in his own right on 29 January 2007.
The College community thanked and farewelled Professor Markwell at a reception in the Dining Hall, preceded by a special Choral Evensong in the Chapel, on Sunday 29 October. Representatives from all parts of the College, the University and the Anglican Church paid tribute to Professor Markwell, and he was presented with a painting by Indigenous artist Barney Ellaga from Minyerri. A portrait of Professor Markwell, painted by Jiawei Shen, was also unveiled at this function, taking its place in the Dining Hall alongside the portraits of the previous five Wardens.
The in-depth process leading to Dr McGowan’s appointment included guidance from international consultants in executive appointments, and consultation with business, academic and Church leaders in a number of countries, with Trinity alumni, and with members of the Board and the Council.
To achieve its ambitious aim of seeking ‘to provide for students an education that is
increasingly comparable with the very best in the world’, the Board sought ‘an outstanding educational leader who would be an exemplary role model for Trinity students and staff and who is:
- An international educationalist of the highest order
- An outstanding natural leader who provides a strong vision for Trinity
- A person who can build strong positive relationships, internally and externally
- An exceptional communicator to all constituencies, internal and external
- An effective administrator who can ensure Trinity is a high–performing College
- A communicant member of the Anglican Church of Australia.’
Announcing Dr McGowan’s appointment, Board Chairman Mr Bill Cowan noted that, ‘Dr McGowan has all these qualities – and more.’ The Board also resolved that, in line with overseas conventions, Dr McGowan’s new title would be ‘Warden and President’.
Dr McGowan continued as Director of the Theological School throughout the year.
Head of International Programs appointed
Ms Diana Smith, Director of Trinity College Foundation Studies (TCFS) since 2003, retired at the end of 2006, after dedicating some 16 years of outstanding service to the education of international students at Trinity.
Professor Barbara Cargill, former Dean and Head of the School of Business at Swinburne University, was appointed to the reconfigured position of Head of International Programs, with responsibility for TCFS, Summer Schools, and other strategic developments in international education. She commenced in November, allowing her to work alongside Diana Smith for several weeks.