Meet our team

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Dr Nicolene Murdoch GAICD PFHEA

Pro Vice-Chancellor: Global Partnerships & Transnational Education, Western Sydney University Provost & Pro Vice-Chancellor, Western Sydney University Indonesia

Dr Nicolene Murdoch believes education has the power to transform lives and create opportunities. She is passionate about expanding access to high-quality, globally connected education, enabling students from diverse backgrounds to develop the skills, knowledge and perspectives needed to succeed in an interconnected world. Through innovative partnerships and transnational education, she champions a future where education is accessible, industry-relevant and impactful.

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Leonie Patrick

Director, International, Western Sydney University

Sydney office

Leonie believes international education broadens perspectives and helps students become confident, globally minded graduates who are culturally aware, adaptable and equipped to thrive in an interconnected world. She understands first-hand how learning across cultures builds curiosity, diplomacy and agility, preparing students to navigate a rapidly changing digital world.

With experience across international student recruitment, admissions and global mobility, Leonie brings a deep understanding of the student journey. She is proud to work alongside an incredible team who share her belief in the power of education to shape brighter futures and connect communities across borders.

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Ian Sebastian

TNE Global Recruitment

International education leader specialising in Transnational Education (TNE), global student recruitment, market development and partnerships. At Western Sydney University, I lead recruitment and growth across key international markets, supporting the expansion of Western Sydney University Indonesia in Surabaya and the Greater Noida campus in India, while developing sustainable partnerships, pathways and market strategies that strengthen the University’s global presence.

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Himanshu Atri

Greater Noida office

Himanshu brings more than 14 years of experience in international education, with expertise in student recruitment, school engagement and strategic market development. At Western Sydney University, he focuses on raising awareness of the India campus, building meaningful relationships with schools and education stakeholders, and expanding access to globally recognised Australian education in India.

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Dr Nisha Rakhesh

Director, Global Initiatives and Engagement, Western Sydney University

Sydney Office

Dr Nisha Rakhesh is the Director, Global Initiatives and Engagement at Western Sydney University, leading the University’s India strategy and driving strategic partnerships, research engagement and transnational education initiatives. With more than 20 years of experience across higher education, research, government and international engagement, she is passionate about building impactful partnerships and translating research into meaningful outcomes for education, industry and society. Working closely with senior university executives, she plays a key leadership role in shaping and delivering Western Sydney University’s India campus strategy, strengthening bilateral partnerships and advancing research collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange between Australia and India.

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Priya Sharma

Company Secretary and Governance Officer, Western Sydney University India

Greater Noida office

Priya Sharma is the Company Secretary and Governance Officer at Western Sydney University India, where she leads corporate governance, statutory compliance, and board-related matters for the University's Indian campus. She brings over 16 years of experience in governance, risk, and compliance, much of it gained within multinational organisations. Her expertise spans company law, board advisory, foreign investment and FEMA compliance, enterprise risk management, policy development, and audit readiness. Priya is a Fellow Member of both the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

At WSU India, she works closely with leadership teams in India and Australia to establish strong governance frameworks and support the campus's continued growth.