Associate Professor Robert Ian Jack

The Principal, Council and St Andrew’s College Community are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Associate Professor Robert Ian Jack. Professor Jack was a much loved member of community for more than 40 years.

After serving first as Senior Tutor, he later became Senior Fellow and was the President of the Senior Common Room, the keeper of the College Archives and College Library and was deeply involved with musical culture within the College. As College historian, he wrote the third and fourth editions of The Andrew’s Book and a photographic history to celebrate 125 years of College.

In the University of Sydney he taught until 2001 in the Department of History. For eight years he was Head of the Department, for five years Dean of the Faculty of Arts and for fourteen years Chair of the Board of Studies in Music.

His research activities and publications have been in late medieval European history and, within Australia, the iron and oil industries in the nineteenth century, rural technology and the impact of Scottish Presbyterians.

A prominent historian concerned with heritage matters, for six years a member of the New South Wales Heritage Council, he was President of the Royal Australian Historical Society for eight years. Since retirement from his teaching position, he has undertaken a wide variety of heritage consultancies. He was a member of the College Life Committee and attended College Council and Foundation Board of Management meetings as an observer. 

He will be dearly missed by students, staff, alumni, parents and friends of the College. 

Our greatest sympathy is extended to Professor Jack’s wife Jan, and extended family, and to all those in the St Andrew’s family, Sydney University community and beyond who knew and loved him.

We will be celebrating Ian’s life and contribution to our College community at a later date, and further details will follow in due course.

For all those attending The Founders & Benefactors Chapel Service and Dinner on Monday 9th September, the evening will continue as scheduled. This is an event that Professor Jack always enjoyed and enthusiastically contributed to. 

The College extends its thoughts and support to all members of our community and if you would like to access any support during this difficult time please contact Elly Howse, Senior Tutor via seniortutor@standrewscollege.edu.au / 0419 486 679