Wrapping up the uni year with a dose of optimism, Vice Chancellor Bill Shorten joined the hosts of The Wrap Up in the UCFM studio to reflect on his first year at the University of Canberra.
So, why did Bill decide to come to UC in the first place? “I want to make a difference,” he said. “Helping school leavers fall in love with their study and their passion and get a job, that’s what drew me here.” From boosting student numbers to stabilising finances, Bill described 2025 as a year of “straightening up stuff” and laying the groundwork for a more united campus.
But it’s not just about spreadsheets and strategy. “What I love is that this is a place where people come here with hopes and dreams and we can help empower them,” he said. Whether it’s chatting with students at the Belconnen Markets or his bulldog Walter become a campus icon, Bill’s focus is on people.
Looking ahead to 2026, he’s excited for new micro-credentials, industry partnerships, and the return of international students. “I’m not a cup half full person,” he laughed. “It’s going to be filled up completely.”
Listen back to Bill Shorten’s interview on The Wrap Up below:
