December 15, 2025
UOW appoints new Council members
Newly appointed members bring strong leadership experience to UOW
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has confirmed several key governance appointments ahead of the new year, announcing two new Council members, a new Deputy Chancellor, and the appointment of two new Pro Chancellor positions.
Ms Nicky Sloan has been appointed as a Council member for a four-year term from 1 January 2026. Ms Sloan is Chief Executive Officer 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 issue 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.
With Deputy Chancellors Warwick Shanks OAM and Nieves Murray concluding their terms on Council at the end of this year, 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.
Having concluded their terms on Council, Mr Shanks and Ms Murray have been appointed as the University’s first Pro Chancellors. A Pro Chancellor supports the Chancellor with ceremonial and governance responsibilities, including representing the University at official events and assisting with Council functions, primarily graduation ceremonies. It is an honorary and unpaid position and recognises their service to the university over many years.
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.”
The recent appointments complement the recently concluded elections for academic and professional staff representatives on Council, ensuring a strong voice from elected staff members on the governing body.