March 10, 2020

Professor Paul Wellings to retire as Vice-Chancellor

UOW left stronger, more diverse, better equipped after 10 years

Professor Paul Wellings CBE has advised that he will retire from the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong on 30 June 2021, following an extension of his contract.

Professor Wellings will stand down during his tenth year as Vice-Chancellor at Wollongong and after a 40-year-long career including periods as Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University (2002-11) and Deputy Chief Executive of CSIRO (1999-2002).

During his time at Wollongong the University has been consistently ranked in the top 20 Young Universities in the world and in the top 250 overall. The University has enhanced its reputation as a research-led institution with an outstanding student experience.

The international profile of the University has been strengthened and diversified by new investments in Hong Kong and Malaysia, sitting alongside a new campus in Dubai, important teaching partnerships in China, India and Singapore and many other research and exchange partnerships throughout the world.

Under his leadership the University has transformed its facilities with an investment of more than $870 million and a large number of new initiatives including the Liverpool campus, Molecular Horizons, iAccelerate, the new Arts and Social Sciences building and an additional 820 new student accommodation beds.

“Professor Wellings has been an exceptional leader at the University of Wollongong. The University has been transformed and its academic and research reputation strengthened,” Chancellor Jillian Broadbent AC said.

“Paul has played an important role in advising the Commonwealth government on research infrastructure, international mobility initiatives, performance funding and the sustainable growth of the sector.

“In NSW, he has advised many regional and state bodies, and his advice has been sought by many Ministers and senior officials. His intellect, energy and drive has helped champion the work of the University of Wollongong, its role in supporting all our communities and our global positioning.”

“We are sad that Paul is retiring as he has been a creative and dynamic leader. We wish him every success in the future. The University of Wollongong has now begun a global search for its fifth Vice-Chancellor.” Chancellor Broadbent said.

Professor Wellings will remain in office to 30 June 2021 and will continue to lead the University throughout this period.