The UTS community has been saddened by news of the death of Emeritus Professor Ronald Werner who was a former Director, and then later President, of NSW Institute of Technology (NSWIT).
NSWIT was one of a number of higher education institutions amalgamated to become the University of Technology, Sydney in 1988.
UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Attila Brungs said,“Ronald made a tremendous contribution to NSWIT, as both Director and then President from 1974 until 1986."
“He and his successor Gus Guthrie ensured NSWIT experienced a smooth transition and transformation to become a vibrant and respected university, a legacy that lives on in the inspiring energy and success that UTS continues to generate today.”
Professor Werner dedicated his life to education, being made an AM on Australia Day 1980 for his service to education and receiving an honorary doctorate from UTS in 1988.
“What drove Ronald was his vision to ensure access to university education for all those who were eligible and merited a place, not just the elite," Professor Brungs said.
“These principles of accessibility, equality and social justice remain the core ethos of UTS today and we are committed to safeguarding them into the future.
“Ronald will be missed by his UTS colleagues, past and present. He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to NSWIT, supporting the establishment of UTS and the higher education sector.”
- UTS mourns the passing of Emeritus Professor Ronald Werner former President of NSW Institute of Technology.
- Professor Werner dedicated his life to education, made an AM in 1980 for his service to education