June 13, 2017

UOW welcomes new Executive Dean of Engineering and Information Sciences

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Valerie Linton as its new Dean of Engineering and Information Sciences (EIS). 

Professor Linton has had a distinguished academic career spanning more than 20 years, completing an Engineering degree at the University of Sheffield and a PhD in Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge. She joined the University of Adelaide in 2001 as Associate Dean (Research) in the Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences Faculty and has maintained a high level of involvement in industry. Her research interests include materials and welding for transmission pipelines; pipeline integrity and failure.

Professor Linton has been closely associated with the University for the past seven years, and brings to the Dean’s role a proven track record of developing successful partnerships with industry, governments and universities, and a passion for making a difference through developing and implementing strategies for organisations.

She has extensive experience in the private sector; has worked at senior levels within higher education and was the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Energy Pipelines CRC, giving her an excellent insight into the workings and demands of both the university sector and its industry partners.

On receiving her appointment, Professor Linton said she would be delighted to lead the EIS Faculty and build on its achievements.

“I am particularly impressed with the combined positive, ‘can do’ culture of the people, their excellent research capabilities and their ability to work with external parties,” she said.

UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, said Professor Linton’s research interests and industry experience made her the perfect choice for UOW.

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Linton to the role of Executive Dean,” Professor Wellings said.

“The commitment Professor Linton has shown to not only her research but also advancing the place of women in engineering is testament to her passion and suitability for this role.”

The current Executive Dean of Engineering and Information Sciences, Professor Chris Cook, will retire from his role at the end of 2017. Professor Linton is expecting to take up her role in January 2018.

“I thank Professor Cook for his service in the role of Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences and for his commitment to providing quality teaching,” Professor Wellings said.

UOW’s multidisciplinary Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences offers courses in the fields of Civil, Mining and Environmental Engineering; Computing and Information Technology; Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering; Mathematics and Applied Statistics; Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering; and Physics.

Graduates from the faculty are playing a critical role in tackling global problems in key areas affecting the world’s population such as energy, transport, clean water and the environment, cyber infrastructure, sustainability, health, security, finance, business, commerce and industry.