Western Sydney University welcomes Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Professor George Williams AO
Distinguished Professor George Williams AO
The Western Sydney University community warmly welcomes Distinguished Professor George Williams AO as he officially commences his term today as the University’s new Vice-Chancellor.
One of the nation’s most esteemed and respected university leaders, Professor Williams is the fifth Vice-Chancellor in the University’s history.
He said he feels enormously privileged to be the newest member of the Western Sydney University community – a University that has a long and proud history of opening up opportunities and transforming people’s lives through higher education.
“My early years were spent in a single-parent family with limited means. I would have travelled a very different path but for the dedication of inspiring teachers. Education changed my life. I want the same opportunity for all,” said Professor Williams.
“I share the University’s commitment to the values of boldness, fairness, integrity, and excellence, having devoted my career to fighting for justice and human rights as a constitutional law scholar and teacher, higher education leader and barrister.
“I am excited by the opportunities that lie ahead for this University and look forward to working with our staff, students and our communities in the weeks and months ahead.”
Professor Williams said his vision is for Western Sydney University to be a truly community-integrated university that brings student-led higher education to life.
“Western Sydney University occupies such a unique position serving a diverse and important region like Western Sydney – the nation’s third-largest economy and most culturally-diverse and entrepreneurial region,” he said.
“We are at the epicentre of Australian growth and social progress, matched by the nation’s largest investments in infrastructure. We need to be the University this region deserves.”
In commencing his first week in the role, Professor Williams paid tribute to the University’s previous Vice-Chancellors.
“I greatly admire the University’s achievements over 35 years under the leadership of my predecessors, Professors Brian Smith, Deryck Schreuder, Janice Reid and Barney Glover,” said Professor Williams.
“I owe Professor Glover a particular debt for his decade of exceptional leadership, and also thank Professor Clare Pollock for acting as interim Vice-Chancellor and wish her well as she prepares to take up the role of Vice-Chancellor at Edith Cowan University.”
In the wake of new challenges and change facing the Australian university sector, finding sustainable and fair ways of looking after staff and serving students and communities is critical, said Professor Williams.
“The future is not without disruption, particularly across the higher education sector but I feel positive and confident about our ability to surmount these challenges. The new direction set by the Universities Accord will suit a community-focussed, agile, and flexible university like ours,” he said.
“I come to this job with great excitement, while understanding I have much to learn. My priority is to listen to our students, staff and our wider community.
“Together we will build upon these shared experiences and our proud history to guide the University through this next important phase of our growth and development and cement our place amongst the best universities in the world.”
ENDS
22 July 2024
Latest News
ABC RN transcript: Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams discusses higher education sector, student support, and the impact of AI
The following is a transcript of an interview that aired on ABC Radio National Saturday Extra between presenter, Nick Bryant and Vice-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO.
Western Sydney University are the number one Australian solar car team at the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
Western Sydney Solar Car team has crossed the finish line placing preliminarily sixth in the world overall, and the number one Australian team in the world’s most prestigious solar car challenge.
Western Sydney University Statement on Cyber Incidents
Western Sydney University has issued an update to its community following confirmation that previously stolen personal information was published online, including on the dark web.