News & Media

UOW appoints new Chancellor as Mike Codd retires

The University of Wollongong’s Chancellor, Mr Mike Codd AC, will retire on 30 September 2009 after serving for 12 years.

Mr Codd was appointed Chancellor in October 1997 and has chaired the University Council during an era of substantial change and development, including the opening of the Graduate School of Medicine and Innovation Campus.

To most graduates, he is best known for his tireless commitment at graduation ceremonies where as presiding officer he has personally awarded degrees to thousands of graduating students. At each ceremony he makes a point to shake hands and talk with each graduate about their future plans, and is never too busy to pose for photos and talk to families after the ceremonies. Remarkable when you consider we are talking about 50 000 graduates.

He is also a champion of the University of Wollongong in Dubai and has taken a keen interest in building its reputation over the years to position it now as the quality Western university in the UAE.

“Mike Codd has been an outstanding Chancellor for our university and I would like to personally thank him for his support and advice over the past 12 years,” Vice-Chancellor Professor Gerard Sutton said.

On behalf of the University Council, Mr Codd today announced that Ms Jillian Broadbent AO has been appointed as the next Chancellor and will take up her role on 1 October.

“The Council has been fortunate to attract a person of Jillian’s profile and background to the role of Chancellor at the University of Wollongong,” Mr Codd said.

Ms Broadbent is a Member of the Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia and a Director of the Special Broadcasting Service and Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd. After a 30-year career in banking, she left her executive position at the Bankers Trust Australia to become a non-executive director of a number of companies.

Ms Broadbent has an active interest in the arts, and was made an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2003. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney and an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Western Sydney. She was awarded the Qantas/Bulletin Businesswoman of the Year in 1987 and the Australian Centenary Medal in 2001 for her contributions to the community.

Mr Codd will preside at his final graduation ceremonies in July, and will attend his last Council meeting on 7 August.

Media enquiries please contact Kate McIlwain on 4221 3290

Last reviewed: 17 April, 2009