Scott Bowman announces surprise departure from CQUniversity
Just a few months after renewing his contract for another five-year period, CQUni vice-chancellor Scott Bowman has made a surprise announcement that he will step down from the institution's lead role at the end of the year.
Professor Bowman said he and wife Anita made the decision during down time spent with their grandkids over the Christmas break.
Starting in May next year, the couple plan to travel and live abroad for at least the next 10 years to "experience what life has to offer and rediscover our passion for cultures and countries."
Prof. Bowman has been instrumental in transforming the university and leading its expansion in Cairns.
Prof. Bowman thanked staff and students for their support during his tenure at the university, which began in 2009.
“Ten years ago we put in place a renewal plan for the University called "Strong to Great"," he said.
"I think we can all be proud that we have made CQUniversity a great university. We are now entering a new ten year strategic intent period and I think it might need a different set of skills to take the University forward, and that this is a natural time to look for a person with those skills”.
TRAVEL
Prof. Bowman said he and Anita wanted to travel and live abroad while they were still healthy.
"Anita and I met on the back of a truck In the middle of the Sahara Desert about thirty five years ago and I remember that trip like it was yesterday," he said.
“We spent hour after hour on the trip discussing how we would travel around the world but as is the case for many people, it never happened as we expected. We had children when we were young and got into buying a house and developing our careers.
“So, while reflecting on our lives together and enjoying the company of our grandchildren over the break, we both made the decision to move into the next phase of our life together – one we have been dreaming of since we met on that truck.
“To that end, we have actually bought a truck and plan to drive it around the world.”
A recruitment process to find a new Vice-Chancellor will begin in coming months.
