Professor Milam is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Excellence at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Economics from Columbia University’s Barnard College, and a Master of Arts and PhD in Art History from Princeton University.
Professor Jennifer Milam
Born in the United States, Professor Milam’s academic and leadership career spans decades and continents. She has worked at high profile museums in the States, before relocating to Australia, where she held Head of School and Dean roles at the University of Melbourne and the University of Sydney.
Professor Milam says she is excited to be moving to the University of Waikato, citing its demonstrated commitment to equity and sustainability.
“This commitment aligns with my own values and I look forward to working with colleagues to achieve exceptional outcomes for students, staff, and the communities that we serve through the mission of higher education,” says Professor Milam.
A dedicated advocate for gender equality, Professor Milam has supervised more than 45 postgraduate students over the course of her career, many of whom now hold influential positions worldwide.
With an interest in 18th century art, garden history and Enlightenment thought, Professor Milam maintains strong academic and industry-based networks with research collaborators, including scholars and stakeholders around the world.
She was a member of the Australian Research Council’s College of Experts and Research Evaluation Committee and is an elected member of Council for the Australian Academy of the Humanities.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Quigley says the University of Waikato’s strategic partnership with the University of Newcastle will only further strengthen with Professor Milam’s appointment.
“In her current role at the University of Newcastle, Jennifer leads a team dedicated to driving academic excellence across the institution. We look forward to bringing her expertise and leadership to the University of Waikato,” says Professor Quigley.
