51²è¹Ý

From humble beginnings to the upper echelons of university leadership, Matt Wright's journey with the 51²è¹Ý spans more than two decades of dedication.

As UOW's Chief Financial Officer, Matt brings not only his financial acumen but also his unique perspective as a first-in-family Indigenous student who found community and opportunity within the grounds of this campus.

Matt’s journey embodies UOW's transformative impact—creating pathways for people from all backgrounds while developing an inclusive and diverse environment where cultures and ideas flourish.

In the year of UOW's 50th anniversary, Matt's voice highlights how UOW continues to be both an educational powerhouse and a vital community foundation in the Illawarra and across the globe.

What brought you to UOW? 

“I studied at the university for my undergraduate commerce degree from 1991-93, and I undertook some part-time teaching in the early days of the South Coast campus, delivering accounting subjects at the Berry campus. I am currently the Chief Financial Officer of the University. I commenced working at the University in 2007 as the Associate Director of Financial Services. My wife is also a graduate, and my eldest daughter will be graduating this year.”

Describe your typical day here 

“A typical day involves working with the team, and colleagues from around the university, in relation to a wide range of issues. I spend a considerable amount of time talking to people, trying to solve problems and working with others to try and ensure the university is moving in a positive direction. There is a considerable amount of technical finance and accounting type work, but just as much problem-solving with colleagues.”

How do you understand ‘community’ through UOW? 

“I can answer this in a couple of ways; As a first-in-family Indigenous student, university was an unknown for me. I couldn’t afford to come to university when I first left school, so I worked for a couple of years before enrolling. I couldn’t afford to live on campus and pretty much turned up not knowing anyone. The Woolyungah Indigenous Centre provided me with a [supportive community] and helped me to navigate. The WIC community not only helped me succeed at university but has also done the same for lots of students like me.

Secondly, as one of the largest organisations in the region, the university plays a huge role in setting aspirations for young people, being a major contributor to the economic success of the region and adding to the fabric of the community it serves. I think the people of the Illawarra all know someone who has studied or worked at the university and so there is a strong sense of connection to the university within the community.”

Reflecting on 50 years of UOW, what qualities come to mind? 

“UOW has brought enormous opportunity to so many people. The university has a great research profile, but for me the key is the excellent record of providing opportunity for people from all backgrounds to improve their lives through education. The university plays a huge role in the community. In UOW's home community, the Illawarra and South Coast, it has an excellent reputation and enables many people who wouldn’t have the ability to study in metropolitan institutions to realise their aspirations.”

What does the future look like for you? 

“I hope to continue working at the university and contributing to meeting the challenges it faces. Whilst it is a job and helps pay the bills, working for an organisation that helps people make their own lives better makes it easy to come to work each day. To be part of the 50-year celebration is an honour – and if I think back, I’ve been associated with the university in one way or another for over 20 of those years!”

How do you envision the future of UOW? 

“A vibrant, world-class institution that continues to provide opportunity to people from all walks of life and parts of the world.”