July 1, 2024

University of Wollongong welcomes Nieves Murray as new Deputy Chancellor

Influential leader brings extensive experience in human services to the role

Prominent Illawarra business and community leader Ms Nieves Murray has been elected as Deputy Chancellor by the University of Wollongong Council.

A UOW graduate and a member of the University governing body since 2013, Ms Murray thanked the Council for electing her. She succeeds Mr Robert Ryan in the role and serves alongside fellow Deputy Chancellor Mr Warwick Shanks.

“I am deeply honoured to be elected as Deputy Chancellor during such a momentous time in the University's history, as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2025,” Ms Murray said.

“This milestone presents a unique opportunity for us to reflect on our achievements and to envision an even brighter future for the University of Wollongong.

“At the same time the Australian Universities Accord offers us a framework to enhance our strategic goals: empowering students for their future, creating knowledge for a better world, and making a difference for our communities.

“Together, we will continue to build on our strengths and embrace the opportunities ahead to shape a vibrant and impactful future for UOW.”

UOW Chancellor Mr Michael Still congratulated Ms Murray on her election and thanked Mr Ryan for his contribution to the University.

“Nieves Murray is an exceptional leader and an excellent choice as Deputy Chancellor. She brings extensive experience in the human services and corporate sectors to the role,” Mr Still said.

“As a long-serving member of the University of Wollongong Council, she has a thorough understanding of the achievements and strengths of UOW and its people, and an in-depth knowledge of the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Dewar welcomed her appointment and said he was looking forward to working with her.

“On behalf of the University of Wollongong, I am delighted to welcome Nieves Murray to her new role as Deputy Chancellor. Her extensive leadership experience and deep connection to the UOW community make her an exceptional choice for this position,” Professor Dewar said.

In addition to her role as Deputy Chancellor, Ms Murray is Chief Executive of Suicide Prevention Australia, the national peak body for suicide prevention, and Chair of Beehive Industries, a social enterprise whose mission is to address loneliness and social isolation by providing meaningful employment and engagement for people at risk of isolation.

From 2006 to 2018, Ms Murray was Chief Executive of IRT Group, one of Australia’s largest community-owned providers of independent living, aged care and home care.

She has served on numerous boards in a range of industries including financial services, market research, primary health, retirement housing and children’s services.

An active member of the Illawarra community, Ms Murray received acknowledgement as the Illawarra Business Leader of the Year in 2012 and again in 2016, when she was presented with the Wollongong Citizen of the Year award. She was named one of Australia’s 100 Most Influential Women by the Australian Financial Review in 2013. She was also a finalist in the Telstra Business Women’s awards.

Ms Murray is a psychology graduate and holds postgraduate qualifications in Public Health and Management, including from Harvard University.

Mr Ryan served as Deputy Chancellor from 2018.

“Robert Ryan has served the University of Wollongong with distinction, helping steer the University through a period of great change,” Mr Still said.

“On behalf of everyone at UOW I thank him for his dedication and outstanding contribution to our University.”