Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) will become the University of the Sunshine Coast’s new Chancellor on 1 April 2017.

Following his election as Chancellor by the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) Council this week, Sir Angus said he nominated for the role because he was impressed by USC’s positive culture and performance.

“I am humbled to be selected for this important role in a university that continues to grow and contribute substantially to the Sunshine Coast community,” he said.

“USC is doing a great job of enabling young people to become skilled, innovative and adaptive people who will excel in the increasingly challenging economy of the future.

“I’m looking forward to playing my part in a university that demonstrates high academic and research standards internationally and nationally and contributes substantially to its broader regional community.”

Sir Angus will be the University’s fourth Chancellor, following John Dobson OAM (2007-2017), Ian Kennedy AO (1998-2007) and retired Justice Tony Fitzgerald QC (1994-98).

Chancellor Dobson, who will retire at the end of his term on 31 March, said he was delighted about Sir Angus’s election and appointment to lead USC’s Council – the governing body of the rapidly growing university, which now has more than 13,000 students.

“Sir Angus will bring a wealth of people experience to the University of the Sunshine Coast,” he said. “He has a broad national view of Australia, and universities are a very important aspect of that. Sir Angus will be a key player in helping USC move forward.”

Sir Angus has worked closely with USC for the past five years as Chair of the Board that established USC’s Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute, and has been a strong advocate for the University’s capacity as a leader in community mental health.

Sir Angus retired as Chief of the Australian Defence Force in July 2011 after 41 years of service in the military.

He was awarded the Knight of the Order of Australia in 2015 for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters.

— Terry Walsh