The University of Wollongong has made five new governance council appointments for 2026. Photo: UOW.
Two new positions are among five University of Wollongong governance council appointments for 2026.
The first-ever pro chancellors at the university will be former council members Warwick Shanks OAM and Nieves Murray.
A spokesperson for the university said pro chancellors supported the chancellor with ceremonial and governance responsibilities, including representing the university at official events and assisting with council functions such as graduation ceremonies.
The spokesperson said the positions were honorary and unpaid.
Ms Nicky Sloan has been appointed as a council member for a four-year term from 1 January 2026.
Ms Sloan is CEO of Community Industry Group and has held senior roles across the social services sector, with experience in aged care, disability, housing, homelessness and community development.
She is Deputy Chair of Regional Development Australia Illawarra Shoalhaven and serves on the boards of Warrigal and the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, and in 2021 was awarded a UOW Fellowship.
She is a strong advocate for local services working to address issues such as gender-based violence, and organisations that support women, children, people with disability, as well as those in aged care.
Mr Anthony Bohm has been appointed as the Graduate Member of Council for a four-year term from 1 January 2026.
He succeeds Natalie Piucco, whose term concludes at the end of this year. Mr Bohm is an experienced senior leader with a background spanning education, corporate and strategy roles, with extensive experience across higher education and the vocational training sector.
He has worked closely with government, industry and community partners and brings strong capability in governance, business operations and stakeholder engagement.
As a UOW graduate, he has remained connected to the university community and is committed to contributing to the stewardship of UOW’s long-term goals.
Former deputy chancellors Mr Shanks OAM and Ms Murray concluded their terms on council at the end of 2025.
The council has elected Merran Dawson as deputy chancellor for a two-year term commencing 1 January 2026.
A UOW alumni, Ms Dawson has been on council since 2021.
She has worked in professional services for 39 years, specialising in technology and transformation risk management and assurance. She has broad experience of governance, risk and compliance, having worked with some of Australia’s largest institutions and led complex technology and internal audits.
UOW Chancellor Michael Still welcomed the new appointments and acknowledged their deep leadership experience, strong community connections and a commitment to public purpose and sustainability.
“Their insights will be valuable as the university continues to build opportunities for students, strengthen research impact and serve our communities. We are grateful for their willingness to contribute to the stewardship of UOW,” Mr Still said.
“UOW thanks all outgoing members for their service and looks forward to working with the newly appointed members as the university advances its strategic goals and progresses Vision 2035.”
These appointments follow the recently concluded elections for academic and professional staff representatives on the council.
