University of Adelaide — University Chancellors Council

Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd)

Chancellor of The University of Adelaide

Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd), born in Adelaide and educated at Elizabeth East Primary School and Elizabeth High School, was the 34th Governor of South Australia from 2007 to 2014. He served in the Royal Australian Navy from 1968, retiring in 2004. His appointments included service on HMAS Sydney during the Vietnam War, postings in Washington and London, Commanding Officer of HMAS Cerberus and Flag appointments as Naval Training and Naval Support Commander.

Kevin also specialised in military logistics and procurement, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral and Head of Maritime Systems at the Defence Materiel Organisation. After retirement, as Head of the South Australian Defence Unit, he led a government team that contributed to ASC winning the contract to build air warfare destroyers for the Australian Defence Force.

Kevin was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross in 1994, the Knight of Grace in the Venerable Order of Saint John in 2007 and a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2008.

Rear Admiral Scarce completed a Bachelor of Financial Administration from New England, Masters of Management Economics at the University of New South Wales (Australian Defence Force Academy campus), and a Masters Degree in National Security Strategy at the US War College (National Defense University) in Washington, DC. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Flinders University in 2009 for distinguished service to the public of South Australia and an Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) from the University of New England in 2014.

Kevin was appointed on 29th March 2015, as the Commissioner of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission. The Commission delivered its findings in June 2016.

In addition to his role as 16th Chancellor of the University of Adelaide, Rear Admiral Scarce is Chair of the Adelaide Oval Stadium Management Authority, Chair of Cancer Council SA and President of Novita Children's Services. He is a Director of a number of public and private companies, a Governor of the Coopers Foundation and joint Patron, with his wife Liz, of Anglicare SA.

University Profile

The University of Adelaide stands tall on the world stage as South Australia’s leading university. Consistently ranked in the top 1% of universities globally* and located in the heart of the world’s 10th most liveable city**, we offer the rare combination of elite academic performance and outstanding quality of life.

We also combine significant, impact-focused research with excellent graduate outcomes. We’re the state’s only member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities, and rank number one for graduate employability^.

Established in 1874, our proud tradition instils confidence in our students. We’re associated with five Nobel Laureates, more than 120 Fulbright Scholars and over 100 Rhodes Scholars. Yet as a progressive, forward-thinking institution, our focus remains firmly on breaking new ground.

Preparing students for the future workforce

Although many jobs of the future don’t yet exist, the best preparation for them does, here at Adelaide. With a strong focus on employability, an Adelaide education ensures that students gain not only deep discipline knowledge, but broad transferable capabilities to explore every future opportunity.

Importantly, our degrees’ quality opens career paths everywhere. We’re ranked top 50 globally in four subject areas; top 100 in another 12; and top 150 in 10 more.#

Research for a better world

Our 1,700 research academics and 2,300 research students collaborate with industry, government and other leading institutions to solve real societal problems and achieve meaningful community impact.

One hundred per cent of our research is rated ‘world standard or above’, with work in 41 fields assessed as ‘well above world standard’†. Key strengths include: agriculture, food and wine; defence and security; med-tech and health; environment and sustainability; mining and energy; and society, culture and the economy.

A uniquely rewarding workplace

The University of Adelaide offers vast scope for a long, fulfilling career. Our staff work alongside world-leaders; receive career-long support, with ongoing opportunities for personal and professional growth; and are immersed in incredible cultural diversity. Around 30% of our 25,000 students come from overseas—more than 100 countries in all—and half of our academic staff were born internationally or hold dual citizenships.

*Times Higher Education, 2020; QS World University Rankings, 2020; Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2019. **Economist Intelligence Unit, 2019. ^QS Graduate Employability Ranking, 2020. †Excellence in Research Australia, 2018. #QS World University Rankings By Subject, 2019.

To find out more, visit the University of Adelaide website www.adelaide.edu.au

RANKED IN TOP 1% OF UNIVERSITIES

Also a member of the Group of Eight (Australia's foremost research intensive Universities).

HIGHLY RATED RESEARCH AREAS

100% of the University’s research areas are rated ‘at or above world class’ (Excellence in Research Australia initiative).

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

Including 5 Nobel Laureates and over 100 Rhodes scholars.

EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Preparing students for the future workforce.

Governance

University of Adelaide Council

In accordance with s.9 of The University of Adelaide Act 1971 (SA), the Council is the governing body of the University and has the following as its primary responsibilities:

appointing the Vice-Chancellor & President as the chief executive officer of the University and monitoring his or her performance
approving the mission and strategic direction of the University, as well as the annual budget and business plan
overseeing and reviewing the management of the University and its performance
establishing policy and procedural principles, consistent with legal requirements and community expectations
approving and monitoring systems of control and accountability, including general overview of any entities controlled by the University [within the meaning of section 50AA of the Corporations Act 2001(Cth)]
overseeing and monitoring the assessment and management of risk across the University, including commercial undertakings
overseeing and monitoring the academic activities of the University
approving significant commercial activities of the University.

Membership of the University of Adelaide’s Council is as follows:

Ex-Officio Members

Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd) – Chancellor (to 30 November 2020)
Professor Peter Rathjen AO – Vice-Chancellor and President (to 7 January 2023)
Professor John Williams – Presiding Member and Chair of the Academic Board (to 31 December 2021)

Appointed Members

The Honourable Catherine (Cathy) Branson AC QC (to 31 December 2020)
Mr David Hill (to 31 December 2020)
Ms Christine Locher (to 30 April 2021)
Ms Kathryn Presser (to 31 May 2021)
Ms Janet Finlay (to 4 February 2021)

Co-opted Member

The Honourable Amanda Vanstone, AO (to 31 December 2021)

Elected Members

Professor Andrew Abell – Academic Staff (to 5 March 2021)
Mr Lachlan Coleman – Professional Staff (to 5 March 2021)
Mr Dan Bonsu – Postgraduate Student (to 5 March 2022)
Ms Arabella Wauchope – Undergraduate Student (to 5 March 2022)
Dr Martin Andrew – Graduate (to 5 September 2020)

Standing Committees of Council

Academic Board

Chair – Professor John Williams