Ms McLoughlin is recognised as one of Australia's most respected business leaders.

And brings to the university's most senior leadership role extensive corporate governance experience as a director of companies across the financial services, resources, health insurance, sports and entertainment and infrastructure sectors.

Ms McLoughlin will succeed present UOW chancellor Jillian Broadbent who has served as the university's head since the retirement of Michael Codd in 2009.

She is presently chairman of Suncorp Group Limited, Venues NSW which owns, coordinates and promotes publicly-owned sports and entertainment venues across NSW and the Minerva Network.

She is also a co-founder of the Minerva Network which mentors and supports Australia's professional female athletes.

As well as a director of nib Holdings Limited and the McGrath Foundation.

Ms McLoughlin is also a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (FAICD), a member of Chief Executive Women and was recently appointed Australian delegate to the G20 EMPOWER Council which is focused on the empowerment and progression of women's economic representation across the globe.

Retiring chancellor Jillian Broadbent AC said she was pleased with the University Council's appointment of Ms McLoughlin as her successor later this year.

"Christine's commitment to the highest standards of governance, performance and stakeholder management is well known, as is her passion for bringing people together through education, sport, health, technology and community inclusion," Ms Broadbent said.

."I have every confidence Ms McLoughlin will continue the work of guiding this great institution towards an exciting future and so I am very proud to be handing over the reins to such a distinguished corporate leader".

Among the new chancellor's first tasks will be contributing to the selection of the university's fifth vice-chancellor when Professor Paul Wellings retires on June 30, 2021 after 10 years at the helm.

Professor Wellings acknowledged Ms Broadbent's 11 years' service as chancellor and welcomed Ms McLoughlin's appointment.

"Chancellor Broadbent has provided outstanding governance of the University since her appointment in 2009," he said.

"Under her leadership, UOW has expanded its global research impact, deepened its ties to the worlds of arts and humanities and strengthened its reputation for providing a positive student experience that produces career-ready graduates who are highly sought after by employers.

"I, along with the whole UOW community, owe chancellor Broadbent a debt of gratitude for her commitment, dedication and leadership throughout her term and look forward to celebrating her many achievements closer to her retirement date later this year.

"This important period of transition in the leadership and governance of our university comes at a time of significant change and development for UOW, for the higher education sector and for our communities.

Prof Wellings said Ms McLoughlin's experience in CEO succession, board renewal processes, capital and reputation management, strategy and complex stakeholder engagement will be vital as the university enters the next chapter in its development.

As well as the realisation of its vision and strategic plan.

Ms McLoughlin's appointment as chancellor-elect was approved by the UOW Council at its meeting on Friday.

She will take up her appointment in the final quarter of 2020.

Ms McLoughlin said it was an honour and a privilege to be elected chancellor of the University of Wollongong.

"From its headquarters in the Illawarra, the University has developed its reputation as one of the leading universities in Australia through its world class teaching and research programs, its extended regional engagement and its significant international presence particularly in the Middle East and South East Asia," she said.

"I look forward to continuing the outstanding work undertaken by Jillian Broadbent which has seen UOW develop and perform so strongly under her leadership and guidance."

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