In this very last CQUni Spotlight, we pay tribute to outgoing Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Scott Bowman. Over almost a decade, Prof Bowman has transformed CQUniversity’s reputation, making it not only Australia’s largest regional university, but also one of the top two per cent of universities in the world. What has always been at his core, however, is that he is a believer in tertiary education, his community, his staff and students – and most of all, his family. We wish he and his wife Anita, the very best with their retirement.
What is your favourite film of all time?
My favourite film in the world is Love Actually. It’s a film we play every Christmas in my family. I particularly enjoy watching it because they really hate it and groan all the way through, but I really like putting them through the torture.
What was a recent highlight of your life?
A recent highlight in my life and in fact one of the greatest highlights ever, was my farewell party at the Rockhampton campus. Carol and Mel from my office arranged for my son and daughter, along with my grandchildren, to come to the event. This was a total surprise to me, in fact I think it is the first time I have been completely surprised as an adult. Having my family there could not have been a better gift to me.
What is the best thing about being at CQUni?
The best thing about working at CQUni is the people. Every member of staff and every student has an interesting story to tell. Sit down with any of them even for five minutes and you will find out incredible things about their lives. I just wish I could have had more time to listen to their stories.
What is your favourite karaoke song and why?
My favourite karaoke song is Anarchy in the UK by The Sex Pistols. It always reminds me of the times I sing this with Andy Bridges during gatherings of the University executive. Working with the incredible executive at CQUniversity is always fun, but the happiest times are when we are kicking back doing karaoke.
If you weren’t living in Rockhampton, where would you be?
When we retire we are moving back to Cairns. If I was not living there I would love to live in Alaska. There is something about the cold and remoteness of the place that really interests me. Unfortunately, Anita would never live anywhere except the tropics.
If your office was burning down, what would be the one thing you grabbed on your way out the door?
That is a really difficult question, but it would either have to be Carol or Mel. I guess which one I chose would depend on how nice they had been to me that day.
What is a motto or phrase that you live by?
The phrase or motto that I live by is ‘Onwards and Upwards’. I think when we have either successes or failures you just have to get on with things and try and move forward.
What is the luckiest thing that has happened to you?
The luckiest thing that ever happened to me in my life was marrying Anita and having two great kids. The greatest thing that ever happened to me in my professional life was being appointed Vice-Chancellor at CQUniversity.
