November 3, 2021

Professor Joe Chicharo OM to retire

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor steps down after close to four decades of service to higher education

After a long and distinguished career at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Professor Joe Chicharo OM has today (Wednesday, 3 November) announced his retirement.

Professor Chicharo, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, leaves UOW after close to four decades of service, spanning numerous roles and departments across the University.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve the University of Wollongong in many different roles over a long period of time,” Professor Chicharo said.

“What stands out for me most of all has been the many, many long-lasting relationships with all manner of UOW staff. I thank them for their unconditional support, commitment and loyal friendship. I am particularly humbled by the wonderful support of my leadership team and every single staff member in my portfolio.

“In many ways, I am sad to be leaving the institution that has always been at the epicentre of my professional life, however, at the same time, I am looking forward to retirement.”

After a decade in the Illawarra steel industry as a trainee and then engineer, Professor Chicharo joined UOW in 1985 as a lecturer in the then School of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering.

While at UOW, Professor Chicharo held the positions of Managing Director of the Institute for Telecommunications and IT Research (1998-2001), Research Director of the CRC for Smart Internet Technology (2000-2002), Head of the School of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering (2002-2003), and Dean of the Faculty of Informatics (2003-2007), followed later by Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) (2008-2010), and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (from 2010) across the portfolios of International, Global Strategy, and Academic.

In 2019, he was appointed Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, a role in which he has overseen multiple facets of the University, including the implementation and execution of the Strategic Plan, Civic Strategy, Global Partnerships, Regional Campuses, Strategic Marketing and Communications, Library, Pro Vice-Chancellor Students, Woolyungah Indigenous Centre, and executive sponsorship of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy.

In addition, Professor Chicharo has a distinguished academic and research record, and has attracted national and international grants for his work in research and industry at UOW. He has published more than 230 research papers in prestigious journals and conferences.

During his four decades at UOW, Professor Chicharo has played an instrumental role in helping the University to transform into a global institution on the forefront of teaching, learning, and research.

UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson thanked Professor Chicharo for his immense contribution and service to UOW, and congratulated him on his retirement.

“Joe is a testament to the idea that education can change a life. He has played a huge role in the University’s transformation from a local university largely serving the Wollongong community to a global institution on the forefront of teaching, learning and research.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Joe for the past few months. I wish him all the very best on his retirement and thank him for his tremendous contribution to UOW. His legacy will be felt for many years to come.”

Professor Chicharo will step down by the end of the year. He is excited to see what the future holds for UOW.

“I am convinced that I will be missing an exciting period of UOW’s history under the great leadership of the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Davidson, and her senior executive group, all of whom will be guided by the strong leadership of our Chancellor, Ms Christine McLoughlin AM, and the University Council.”