Enriching lives through art

Emeritus Professor Keith Hancock AO

Emeritus Professor Keith Hancock AO is one of Flinders University’s most influential foundation figures – an economist of international repute, a transformative Vice-Chancellor, and a generous supporter of the Flinders University Museum of Art.

Joining Flinders in 1964 as its inaugural Professor of Economics, Professor Hancock arrived at the new institution at just 28 years of age.

As a founding staff member, Professor Hancock played an important role in shaping the University’s early identity and was instrumental in developing Economics as a strong and respected discipline.

Ten years on, Professor Hancock became Pro Vice-Chancellor (1974–79), before his appointment as Vice-Chancellor in 1980. Over the next seven years he guided the University through a period of growth and consolidation, earning admiration for his clarity of thought and fairness.

Emeritus Professor Keith Hancock AO.

In recognition of his contributions, Flinders awarded Professor Hancock an Honorary Doctor of Letters in 1987.

In the same year he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for service to learning.

During this time, Professor Hancock developed an important connection with the Flinders University Museum of Art (FUMA).

“I supported the aspirations of the Professor of Visual Arts at the time, Emeritus Professor Vincent Megaw AM, who was dedicated to building one of Australia’s most significant university-based Indigenous art collections,” says Professor Hancock.

Thanks to this shared vision and community support, including generous donations from Professor Hancock, FUMA is now custodian to around 8,000 Australian and international works – one of the largest public collections of art in South Australia.

“I made FUMA the main recipient of my donations to the University, believing they might make a meaningful difference.”

This modest but strategic philanthropy reflects Professor Hancock’s conviction that the arts are vital to enriching lives.

“Professor Hancock’s generous support has played an essential role in FUMA’s trajectory as a nationally significant museum – especially the collections of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art,” says FUMA Director, Fiona Salmon.

These works are now driving cultural learning and opening conversations that advance reconciliation.

“Art has the power to change lives, and through his contributions, Professor Hancock is making a real difference in the education of our students and the community.”