About Beryl Nashar
About Professor Beryl Nashar AO OBE
Professor Beryl Nashar AO, OBE was a pioneer of women in STEMM. Born in Maryville in 1923, the eldest of four children, Beryl was an outstanding school student. She completed her Leaving Certificate at Newcastle Girls High School, topping the state in biology, and went on to become the first in her family to go to university. She completed an honours science degree at the University of Sydney, winning the university medal and receiving a research scholarship.
After one day in a teaching role at Hunter Girls High School, Beryl was offered a position at the University of Tasmania - which she accepted.
“Beryl went on to achieve more firsts in Australia: she was the first woman to be awarded a Rotary Foundation Fellowship, first woman to earn a PhD in geology from an Australian university and then, became the first female Dean at an Australian university – here at the University of Newcastle.”
Beryl published four books and 30 research papers. She was on the board of directors for the Royal Newcastle Hospital for 16 years, as well as the Faculty of Medicine and the Greater Newcastle Building Society. She was actively involved with the Federation of Business and Professional Women, holding the role of international president in 1974.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.