Nathan Towney may have just stepped into one of the highest positions at the University of Newcastle but there was a time when tertiary education did not cross his mind.
This week, Mr Towney has officially been appointed the deputy vice-chancellor of engagement and equity after a year serving in the interim role.
In his teenage years, however, he had a different plan for his career.
"University wasn't on my radar then," Mr Towney said.
Born in the central NSW town of Wellington, he moved to Sydney when he was 18 years old to play rugby league professionally.
For three years he was signed to the Canterbury Bulldogs before he left because of multiple injuries.
A conversation with his mother-in-law prompted him to consider studying at the University of Newcastle.
"I was the first person to complete university in my family," Mr Towney said.
"I wouldn't have know what deputy vice-chancellor was, and that this role even existed," he said.
A Wiradjuri man, he was accepted through the university's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander admission scheme.
He was inspired by "amazing" physical education teachers he had at school to study teaching.
"One of my footy coaches really helped me progress my rugby league career," he said.
"I saw that influence that educators have on people and that really motivated and inspired me to think that I would be able to do that with others."
Mr Towney then went on to spend 20 years in public education, including as principal at Newcastle High School.
In 2019, he made the move from secondary education to tertiary and took on the role as pro-vice chancellor of the University of Newcastle's Indigenous, Strategy and Leadership division.
"The university changed the trajectory of my life," he said.
"Higher education can be something that's seen as unachievable for parts of our community and I probably fitted into that category."
He was now passionate about helping shape others' experiences of university.
"Our division has a role in influencing how people experience higher education, and making sure that higher education is accessible for all," he said.
"That they feel as though they belong, regardless of what background, knowledge and skills they come with."
The engagement and equity division was created in March 2025 and covers a broad range of teams including government relations, the Wollotuka Institute and the pathways and academic learning support team.
University of Newcastle vice-chancellor Alex Zelinsky said Mr Towney showed passion for empowering people, fostering connection and creating pathways to success.
"Nathan is highly respected across our community and his leadership has been instrumental in inclusion, opportunity and social impact," Professor Zelinsky said.
