Conversations How I went from young delinquent to running a university
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Jan 28, 2026 George Williams, constitutional law academic and Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University, rose from a rebellious childhood to lead a major university. He discusses why Western Sydney matters, student food insecurity and casual academic jobs. He critiques funding models and fees, defends humanities amid AI, and urges reforms for equity, teaching and campus life.
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How Australia's Uni Model Transformed
- Australia's university system evolved from elite 'sandstone' schools to mass higher education from the 1980s onward.
- That shift made universities major export earners but also changed their funding and purpose.
Teacher's Single Act Changed A Life
- A primary school teacher gave George Williams permanent Thursday lunchtime detention and spent that hour tutoring him each week.
- That focused attention transformed his attitude to learning and set him on a new trajectory.
Student Hunger Is Widespread And Academic Risk
- Western Sydney University found half its students face food insecurity and many skip meals or live in cars.
- Student survival struggles — food, medicine, transport — drive dropouts more than academics.
