Lumen Winter 2015 - Flipbook - Page 6
stor y by Ren ée Cap p s
Q&A with the Chancellor
In late 2014, Rear Admiral the Honourable Kevin
Scarce AC CSC RAN (Rtd) was appointed as the
16th Chancellor of the University of Adelaide.
H
is appointment caps a long and
distinguished career that has
included his role as 34th Governor
of South Australia from 2007 to 2014. He
saw active service in the Royal Australian
Navy from 1968 to 2004, including on
HMAS Sydney during the Vietnam War
and as the Commanding Officer of HMAS
Cerberus between 1995 and 1997.
Lumen reporter Renée Capps interviewed
Rear Admiral Scarce about his career,
his vision for the University and how it
can contribute more to the revitalisation
of South Australia.
Chancellor, what is the value of
a university education and how
did your education help you in
your career?
Education is a critical enabler that
empowers people to view our world
through different lenses. The world
today is changing so quickly that if we
aren’t prepared to embrace change we
won’t be successful as individuals, as
a community or as a nation.
I completed my first degree in financial
administration because I could see that
I was not prepared for the challenges
ahead. It gave me a fresh perspective,
additional skills and the confidence to
try different things. Subsequent degrees
added to this core knowledge and kept
me current with the ever-changing
nature of my profession.
What role does the University
play in the South Australian
economy? What can the University
do to improve its contribution?
The University of Adelaide is an
important driver in South Australia’s
economy. We employ 3,500 people
directly and more than a couple of
thousand indirectly. Over $460m per
annum is contributed to the Gross
State Product. And our universities
4 Lumen | Winter 2015
are an important source of innovation
and assistance to industry. With the
South Australian economy facing
significant financial challenges,
particularly with the imminent closure
of the car manufacturing industry, it is
important for our University to focus
on helping to unearth new business
opportunities. Along with my University
Council colleagues, I will encourage
closer engagement with the community
and business. We can do more to
deliver skilled and talented graduates,
innovative collaborations and research
outcomes that will stimulate the State
and excite the community’s interest in
the University of Adelaide.
What about the University’s contribution
to the broader community and how
important is the University’s role?
There is a perception that we are not
as engaged in the community as we
should be. However, if you look at what
has actually been achieved, I think we
have a wide variety of partnerships and
outreach programs. Our Community
Outreach Dental Program, for example,
provides dental services to those who
can’t usually afford them and this has
literally transformed lives.
We also work closely with organisations
in the northern suburbs of Adelaide to
bring opportunities to the area and our
Children’s University program brings
exciting free learning activities to school
children aged 7–14.
What attracted you to
the University of Adelaide?
The University plays a pivotal role in
educating the next generation of leaders.
I want to be part of a highly respected
institution with that goal. Education is
absolutely vital for small economies
trying to successfully compete in a
global market. The University of Adelaide
is a world-class research university
and its academic achievements over
the last 140 years and its plans for the
future continue to excite me. We are
competitive on the world stage, and we
must continue to deliver excellence.
What is your vision for
the University of Adelaide?
This is an incredibly important institution
for the state and country. The University’s
strategic plan Beacon of Enlightenment
clearly indicates for me the vision of our
University. We are in the business of
preparing tomorrow’s leaders shaped
by education rather than by birth or
wealth. The quality of our academic and
research endeavours will shape the
future of our state and nation, and while
education and research is at the core of
what we do, I want to see more targeted
engagement with the community.
You have had a remarkable career.
What do you regard as your biggest
achievements and career highlights?
Without doubt the greatest satisfaction
and most important achievement for
me is raising a family. I can’t take sole
credit because my wife Liz has been a
vital part of the partnership. Both our
children, Kasha and Kingsley, have been
educated at universities and are working
in fields they enjoy – everything you
could hope for as a parent.
In my working life I have had terrific
opportunities in the navy, defence and
industry. I tried to make the most of
every opportunity, particularly in leading
teams to deliver complex outcomes.
Do you have any advice for
someone starting their career?
Firstly, I would suggest a plan for what you
want to do. Be bold in your aspirations.
I would also suggest making time to
volunteer in the community. There are
many worthy causes and unfortunately
plenty of people needing that help. Our
graduates are in a privileged position to
have the skills to help others.
