Western Sydney University appoints new Dean of the School of Law
Western Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Catherine Renshaw as the new Dean of the School of Law.
Professor Renshaw, who has been serving as the Interim Dean of the School of Law since the beginning of 2024, brings a distinguished background in higher education and international human rights law to the role.
Professor Deborah Hatcher (Acting) Provost congratulated Professor Renshaw on her appointment acknowledging her steadfast commitment to the School and the University.
“Under Professor Renshaw’s leadership, the School of Law will continue to thrive and achieve new heights in research, education, transnational education, and engagement with the community and the profession,” said Professor Hatcher.
“Before entering academia, Professor Renshaw practiced as a lawyer at large commercial law firms and at the Legal Aid Commission of New South Wales. At a time of significant change in the legal profession, Professor Renshaw will bring to the education of the next generation of lawyers a deep commitment to developing the skills, ethics, and capacity for critical analysis of law students. As a distinguished expert in human rights and democracy in Southeast Asia, Professor Renshaw will also greatly enhance our world-class teaching and research, fostering the next generation of legal experts.”
Since joining Western Sydney University in 2020, Professor Renshaw has made significant contributions. She has developed strategies for student retention, implemented a support program for early career researchers, and will soon establish an External Advisory Committee for the School of Law.
As Associate Dean Research, School of Law, she led initiatives to enhance research productivity and excellence, resulting in increased citations and publications in prestigious journals. Her leadership was pivotal in the School’s recent achievement of a 2024 QS World Ranking for Law.
Professor Catherine Renshaw said she looked forward to continuing to collaborate with colleagues and students at the School of Law.
“The School of Law is producing high-quality graduates and robust, impactful research, with a strong commitment to the communities of Greater Western Sydney. I’m proud to continue advancing teaching and research outcomes alongside my colleagues," said Professor Renshaw.
In her research capacity, Professor Renshaw is a founding member of the Australia-Myanmar Constitutional Democracy Project, facilitating numerous workshops aimed at promoting democratic reforms and human rights in Myanmar before the coup d’état in 2021. She has an ongoing commitment to Australia’s engagement in the region.
ENDS
9 July 2024
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