Professor Sara Denize appointed Dean of UTS Business School

An experienced academic leader, award-winning educator and respected researcher, Professor Denize brings extensive expertise in business education, curriculum innovation, academic governance and quality assurance. Throughout her career at UTS, she has held a number of senior leadership roles and led major curriculum reform, accreditation and learning innovation initiatives.  

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Andrew Parfitt said the appointment recognised Professor Denize’s outstanding leadership and deep understanding of both the Business School and the university. 

“I am confident that, under Sara’s leadership, the Business School will build on its strengths and deliver meaningful impact through excellence in education, research and engagement,” he said.

Professor Denize said she was excited to continue working with colleagues across the School at a time when artificial intelligence, technology and changing models of work are reshaping organisations, industries and communities.  

“Artificial intelligence, data and new models of work are transforming the way organisations operate and the way people live, work and connect. It’s important that we continue to evolve our curriculum and programs so graduates are ready to lead with confidence and purpose,” she said.

“As a socially committed business school, we have a responsibility to ensure that business education and research remain connected to human needs and public purpose, while responsibly harnessing technology to support an innovative, sustainable and prosperous economy in a fairer world.”

Her appointment comes at an important time for the Business School as it continues to strengthen its reputation for education, research and engagement that address complex social, economic and environmental challenges. At the same time, the School is reshaping its structure to support greater interdisciplinary collaboration across teaching and research, including new approaches that bring together expertise in accounting, analytics, advisory, economics, marketing, enterprise, innovation and the future of work.  

Across the School, academics are working with industry, government, community organisations and students on pressing issues including climate resilience and the energy transition, healthy ageing, sustainable consumption, Indigenous employment, fintech and artificial intelligence. 

Professor Denize highlighted initiatives including the Centre for Climate Risk and Resilience, Change for Good, the Centre for Indigenous Peoples and Work, the AI in Business venture hub and the Ultimo Institute as examples of the School’s commitment to addressing pressing economic, social and environmental challenges through impactful research, education and engagement.

“The role of a business school is not only to understand change, but to help shape our future. Across the School, our people are focused on work that matters - building knowledge, partnerships and capability that can support fairer economies, stronger communities and a more sustainable future,” she said.