Professor George Williams to lead Western Sydney University

Currently with the University of New South Wales, Professor Williams has enjoyed a decades long career in public life, academia and the law. 

He is a well-known and respected voice on human rights and constitutional law matters and joins the university in its 35th anniversary year. 

Professor Williams said he is excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for the institution. 

“When the opportunity arose to lead this University, I gave it everything I had because I believe there is no university or region in Australia with greater potential,” he said. 

Professor Williams will succeed Professor Barney Glover AO, who served as Vice-Chancellor for more than a decade. 

Western Sydney University said Professor Williams had led significant changes as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at UNSW. 

WSU Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AO said Professor Williams’ expertise in advocating for social justice and human rights strongly aligns with the University’s proud history. 

“He is incredibly well placed to lead the University through this next important phase of our growth and development and to respond to the opportunities presented by an evolving higher education sector, a transforming national economy, and a rapidly changing world,” she said. 

Professor Westacott said Professor Williams understood the role the institution would play in leading and supporting the region’s transformation, including the impact of the new Western Sydney Airport. 

Professor Williams said the University and the region are essential to the country’s economic and social growth. 

“I am inspired by the University’s longstanding commitment to widening higher education participation,” he said. 

Professor Williams will take up the position in mid-July.