Western Sydney University welcomes new Dean of Nursing and Midwifery

Western Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Caleb Ferguson as the new Dean of the School of Nursing and Midwifery within the Faculty of Health.

Professor Ferguson joins Western from the University of Wollongong (UoW), where he has held senior academic and clinical leadership roles, including the Director of UOW’s Health Innovations, and Academic Director and Professor of Nursing of the Centre for Chronic and Complex Care Research, at Blacktown Hospital.

A leading nursing academic, he brings an outstanding level of experience in chronic disease management, frailty and cardiovascular nursing, supported by a program of competitive research funding and a long-standing partnership with Western Sydney Local Health District.

The appointment follows a competitive international search and comes shortly after Professor Ferguson was selected as a 2026 Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, recognising his sustained contribution to nursing science and health policy on the global stage.

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health, Professor Sarah Lewis, warmly welcomed Professor Ferguson to the University and his new role.

“Caleb brings a distinctive passion for the Western Sydney region, having grown a significant partnership with Western Sydney Local Health District in a core area of nursing care,” Professor Lewis said.

“His energy for nursing and midwifery researcher development together with a very strong national and international profile, places the School of Nursing and Midwifery on a future-focused trajectory.”

Thrilled to be joining the University, Professor Ferguson is looking forward to leading the School’s strategic direction in education, research and partnerships, along with playing a central role in advancing the WESTERN 2030 strategic plan, with a particular focus on nursing and midwifery’s contribution to health equity across Greater Western Sydney.

“Western’s deep commitment to social justice, health equity and to the community of Greater Western Sydney speaks directly to why I do this work. I look forward to working alongside our staff, students and partners to build on the School’s strong foundations in teaching and learning, research and engagement, and to champion nursing and midwifery as core to the University’s mission,” Professor Ferguson said.

“The University has an outstanding reputation for nursing and midwifery and an incredible team of staff who are deeply committed to providing a cutting-edge educational experience, conducting high-impact research and delivering a high-calibre future workforce, so it will be an absolute privilege to serve in this role.”

Professor Ferguson will commence in the role on 14 September 2026.

ENDS.

20 July 2026
Media Unit