Dawn Freshwater became Vice Chancellor of the University of Auckland in March 2020.
Professor Freshwater has held senior University positions in the UK and Australia, most recently as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Western Australia. She has spent several decades working in mental health research, and contributing to hundreds of publications.
Professor Freshwater was awarded her PhD at the University of Nottingham and is a highly experienced and driven supporter of translational research and research-led teaching. Her contribution to the fields of Public Health (specifically Mental Health and Forensic Mental Health) and in researching Leadership practices won her the highest honour in her field – the Fellowship of the Royal College of Nursing.
As an academic, Professor Freshwater has a background in mental health and has contributed to almost 200 publications, including books/chapters, peer-reviewed papers, research reports, editorials as well as media contributions, and continues to provide supervision to two PhD students.