August 21, 2024

Michael Still officially installed as UOW’s fifth Chancellor

NSW Governor Margaret Beazley presided over ceremony attended by past and present Chancellors and Vice-Chancellors and other distinguished guests

The Governor of New South Wales, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, officially installed Mr Michael Still as Chancellor of the University of Wollongong (UOW) at a ceremony on Monday (19 August 2024) in University Hall.

Mr Still was elected Chancellor by the University Council in December last year and is UOW’s fifth Chancellor.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including the Governor’s husband Mr Dennis Wilson, Member for Kiama Mr Gareth Ward MP, Wollongong Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM, former UOW Chancellors Ms Jillian Broadbent AO and Ms Christine McLoughlin AM, former Vice-Chancellors Professor Ken McKinnon AO and Professor Patricia Davidson, members of the UOW Council and Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar AO.

In his speech after being officially installed, the Chancellor thanked the Her Excellency and said the event was a recognition of the positive influence universities offer our communities and society.

“One of the most critical aspects of our mission at UOW is our responsibility to foster innovation and adapt to the ever-changing global landscape,” Mr Still said.

“In a world where technological advancements, climate challenges and social dynamics are rapidly changing, we must remain at the forefront of these developments.

“This means not only equipping our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive but also encouraging them to be leaders of change, who are unafraid to challenge the status quo and drive progress in their respective fields.

“As we look to the future, UOW will continue to be a beacon of creativity, resilience and forward-thinking, ensuring that our graduates are not only prepared for the world as it is but also empowered to shape the world as it could be.”

Mr Still brings a wealth of experience to the role of Chancellor through a career that spans four decades and various sectors, including health, infrastructure, finance and higher education.

He has led public, private and not-for-profit organisations and among other roles served on the NSW Government’s Medical Devices Fund, was Chairman of the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Chairman of the Randwick Health and Innovation Precinct and a board member of the Cancer Institute of NSW.

Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Dewar said Mr Still was a leader whose experience and vision aligned remarkably well with the University’s mission and aspirations.

“Over the past year, we've already seen the positive influence of Chancellor Still's leadership. Despite challenging times for the sector at large, UOW continues to deliver excellent education and research outcomes,” Professor Dewar said. 

“As we navigate the complex higher education policy landscape, his leadership experience and strategic insight has been evident in our discussions about UOW's future. Chancellor Still's perspective has been particularly valuable as we begin to shape UOW’s strategic direction.”