Dr Ken Michael, AC was installed as the thirtieth Governor of Western Australia on 18 January 2006. He has a distinguished record of service to the Western Australian community in many fields, both academic, and as a senior public servant.

Dr Michael was a student at Perth Modern School from 1954 to 1955. He was awarded a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Western Australia with First Class Honours in Civil Engineering in 1961.

Dr Michael was Chancellor of the University of Western Australia, Chairman of the East Perth Redevelopment Authority, Chairman of the Western Australian Museum and a member of the Economic Regulation Authority. Formerly he served as Commissioner of Main Roads, Public Service Commissioner, Western Australian Independent Rail Access Regulator and Chairman of Commissioners for the City, Town and Shire of Albany.

Dr Michael was named Western Australian Citizen of the Year in 2001, and awarded the Centenary of Federation Medal in 2003 for service to the public, engineering and the Greek Community. He was elevated to be a Companion in the Order of Australia in the 2006 Australia Day Honours.

In September 2007, Dr Michael launched the Perth Modern School Sphinx Society which was established to recognise students who have an exemplary academic record. In his address to students attending the launch ceremony, Dr Michael emphasised the attainment of power through knowledge and encouraged students to maintain high standards of academic achievement.