THERE are 40 public universities around Australia – half of them are named after the cities or states where they are based.
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A further 12 carry a man’s name, with West Australian-based Edith Cowan University the only institution in the country to honour a woman via its title.
One of the aforementioned dozen, Charles Sturt University, is investigating a name change as part of what it deems in marketing jargon a “refresh”.
The school emerged in 1989 through the merger of the Mitchell College of Advanced Education and the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education which had campuses in Bathurst, Albury and Wagga.
It was deemed Charles Sturt was a suitable moniker because he had explored across the inland area covered by the schools.
Coincidentally though the region mirrors the land occupied for thousands of years by the Wiradjuri Aboriginal group.
It should be taken seriously by CSU chiefs.
It makes sense geographically, it would be innovative, with no other university in Australia named after a tribal group, and it would be distinctive.
Sturt’s name is on flowers, schools, a city council in Adelaide, South Australian league football club, highway and national park.
The explorer, who lived from 1795 to 1869, is not void of recognition.
CSU vice-chancellor of students Jenny Roberts has indicated the name change may not be radical, with a switch to Sturt University a possibility.
This suggests the process is more driven by marketing than great circumspection.
But given the proliferation of Sturt namesakes, will shortening the university’s name make much difference?
Mr Williams argues Wiradjuri would show leadership and bolster interest in Australia’s Aboriginal story around the world via international students.
They are valid points and worthy of thought from a university that has prided itself on Aboriginal ties.
