John Dewar appointed interim VC of the University of Wollongong

Former La Trobe Uni chief John Dewar has been appointed to fill a gap as interim vice-chancellor of the University of Wollongong.

John Dewar at La Trobe University

John Dewar, who this year stepped down as vice-chancellor of La Trobe University after 12 years in the job, has returned to lead another university.

The University of Wollongong said Professor Dewar would step in as interim vice-chancellor from June 24, following the departure of Patricia Davidson from the role, and he is likely to serve to the end of the year while the university selects a permanent appointee

UOW chancellor Michael Still said Professor Dewar would bring a “wealth of experience” to the role.

Professor Dewar said the Albanese government's new migration strategy would test the resilience of the university.

“However, these changes also offer us an opportunity to sharpen our focus and to think strategically and innovatively about our work and our future,” he said.

Since ending his long period at La Trobe vice-chancellor earlier this year, Professor Dewar has been a partner at advisory firm KordaMentha.