Almost 50-years of senior executive experience at the University of Wollongong has been lost this year following the latest retirement.
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After a long and distinguished career at UOW, Professor Joe Chicharo OM today announced his retirement.
The Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor leaves UOW after close to four decades of service, spanning numerous roles and departments across the university.
Prof Chicharo's departure at the end of this year, comes six months after Professor Paul Wellings ended his 10-year reign as UOW Vice-Chancellor.
Ms Christine McLoughlin AM also took over from Jillian Broadbent AC, who ended her 12-year reign as Chancellor at the end of last year.
"It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve the University of Wollongong in many different roles over a long period of time," Professor Chicharo said.
"What stands out for me most of all has been the many, many long-lasting relationships with all manner of UOW staff. I thank them for their unconditional support, commitment and loyal friendship. I am particularly humbled by the wonderful support of my leadership team and every single staff member in my portfolio.
"In many ways, I am sad to be leaving the institution that has always been at the epicentre of my professional life, however, at the same time, I am looking forward to retirement."
Professor Chicharo joined UOW in 1985 as a lecturer in the then School of Electrical, Computer and Telecommunications Engineering.
Over the years he has built a distinguished academic and research record, and has attracted national and international grants for his work in research and industry at UOW. He has published more than 230 research papers in prestigious journals and conferences.
During his four decades at UOW, Prof Chicharo has also played an instrumental role in helping the university to transform into a global institution on the forefront of teaching, learning, and research.
UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia M. Davidson thanked Prof Chicharo for his immense contribution and service to UOW, and congratulated him on his retirement.
"Joe is a testament to the idea that education can change a life. He has played a huge role in the university's transformation from a local university largely serving the Wollongong community to a global institution on the forefront of teaching, learning and research," Professor Davidson said.
"It has been a pleasure to work alongside Joe for the past few months. I wish him all the very best on his retirement and thank him for his tremendous contribution to UOW. His legacy will be felt for many years to come."
Prof Chicharo will step down by the end of the year.
"I am convinced that I will be missing an exciting period of UOW's history under the great leadership of the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Davidson, and her senior executive group, all of whom will be guided by the strong leadership of our Chancellor, Ms Christine McLoughlin AM, and the University Council," he said.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
