Lynne Williams' citation speaks of a woman who has embraced the world of creative arts with open arms and is steering it into the future.

The director and chief executive of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) - who grew up in Wollongong - received an Honorary Doctor of Letters at the University of Wollongong on Monday.

Ms Williams was honoured for her service to creative arts at UOW and the Australian and international arts industry, along with her dedication to broadening access to contemporary arts.

After studying at UOW when it was a teachers' college, Ms Williams returned in 1977 as a staff member and helped establish what was then the new Faculty of Creative Arts.

She later pursued her career in the UK and spent 21 years there instead of what was meant to be a 12-month research trip.

"I've had a long history with the university and since I've been at NIDA I've made sure we have a relationship," Ms Williams said.

"Growing up in Wollongong, I had a lot of people who were great teachers and mentors who nourished my love of the arts.

"It's been a wonderful journey and it's great to come back and acknowledge the people that started me on that journey."

Ms Williams said her NIDA position, which she has held since 2008, meant looking at a new way of developing students to meet the needs of a "very rapidly evolving" performing arts industry.

Graduation list, photos