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Alumna and previous Deputy Chancellor, Dr Saranne Cooke, elected Charles Sturt University Chancellor
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Few directors in the country match Dr Cooke's depth of governance and leadership capabilities and regional experience, from chairing the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) and Racing NSW to now overseeing Australia's largest regional university as Chancellor
Dr Saranne Cooke will commence as Charles Sturt University's Chancellor in December after being elected by the University Council on Thursday 13 August.
Dr Cooke brings to the University outstanding experience of leadership and governance in regional Australia’s major industries and organisations.
She is Chair of Racing NSW and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section) as well as a Director and Audit and Risk Chair of Meat and Livestock Australia.
Dr Cooke has previously held non-executive governance roles with Western NSW Primary Health Network and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, among many other organisations. She holds a PHD in Governance.
Proudly regional, Dr Cooke was born in Condobolin, educated in the Central West, a graduate of Charles Sturt University and a long-term resident in Charles Sturt's regional footprint.
She previously served 12 years on the University Council (2013–2025), including more than six years as Deputy Chancellor.
Dr Cooke said her focus as Chancellor would be upholding and enhancing the strong reputation of Charles Sturt University in ensuring regional Australians have access to excellent university education, protecting the pipeline of graduates essential for regional workforces.
“As a graduate of the university, I can vouch for how valuable that is,” Dr Cooke said.
"More than 80 per cent of Charles Sturt's regional students decide to live and work in regional Australia after they graduate. These students aren't just filling jobs, they're underpinning vital workforces across the regions in nursing and allied health, teaching, social work and community services.
“As well as producing the professionals country communities need to thrive, regional universities do the vital research work that solves the needs of the regions”, Dr Cooke continued.
“I will be advocating for policy settings that ensure regional research gets the priority it deserves, meeting the challenges of Australia’s food security, health needs and community wellbeing.”
“I look forward to working with the Council, the Vice-Chancellor, staff, students and our partners to build on the strengths of Charles Sturt University and to ensure it is well positioned to serve the needs of the regions and the nation.”
Dr Cooke succeeds Dr Michele Allan AO, who has served as Chancellor for the last 12 years. Under the Charles Sturt University Act Chancellors can not serve more than 12 consecutive years.
Dr Allan welcomed Dr Cooke to the role, adding that she “will lead the University in a considered and professional way”.
“Dr Cooke has extensive experience as the Chair of large and complex organisations, skills that will be an asset to Charles Sturt University,” Dr Allan said.
Charles Sturt University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Renée Leon, said she is looking forward to working with Dr Cooke.
“Dr Cooke will bring to the role deep governance experience, strong knowledge of the university sector, as well as connections to some of regional Australia’s most important industries,” Professor Leon said.
“Dr Cooke has a clear understanding of Charles Sturt’s mission through her time as student and her years on the University Council.
“She has the experience and vision to ensure Charles Sturt can keep providing world class educational opportunities to regional Australians and pursuing the research priorities our regions need.”
Dr Cooke’s election followed a thorough year’s long merit selection process supported by an independent recruitment agency.
She will commence in the role on Thursday 3 December, with a formal ceremony to be held in Bathurst on Wednesday 9 December.
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