In 1913 he became foundation professor of history at the newly founded University of Western Australia in Perth.[1] He would become closely affiliated with the University and its development, serving as its vice-chancellor from 1921–23.[1] His legacy at UWA is commemorated by the Shann memorial lecture (held there annually since 1961) as well as a memorial sundial and seat erected in 1937 in his honour in the sunken gardens on the campus.[1][3][4]