- THE FINAL EDITION
17 November 2025
Meet Liz Hawkins: Adelaide University’s Chief Advancement Officer
Curious, passionate, and an accidental extrovert – that’s how Liz Hawkins would describe herself. The incoming Chief Advancement Officer at Adelaide University shares the story behind her multifaceted career and her deep-rooted passion for people and philanthropy.
Liz’s career started in the advancement team at Cornell University.
“I had been an actress as a child,” she shares. “When I went to university, I had planned to stop performing and go to medical school. However, my passion took me back to the arts, and I graduated without a strong sense of direction for my future. I took my first role in advancement, and I absolutely fell in love with this work.”
That first job at Cornell ignited a lifelong passion. Over the decades that followed, Liz lived and worked across countries including the U.S., Canada, and England. Building a career working with universities, not-for-profits, and arts organisations, she also continued to take roles as a professional actor in theatre and films.
Liz moved to Australia 16 years ago, and for over a decade she served as Director of Programming, Development and Venue Sales at the Adelaide Festival Centre, overseeing major commercial programs, sponsorship, and philanthropy as well as the complex rebuild of Her Majesty’s Theatre.
In a career dedicated to philanthropy and impact, Liz has overseen many projects with exceptional outcomes. She recalls one project in which a philanthropist wanted to ensure children from migrant backgrounds had the chance to experience the transformative power of theatre – resulting in a fully-funded theatre experience for an entire school.
“Some of those children had never been on a bus. Never been to the city. That first show began a continuing program, with the tangible educational outcome of helping maintain attendance. We created something that had a profound impact.”
It was a powerful reminder of what happens when generosity meets opportunity — and why this work matters so deeply.
In 2021, Liz joined the University of Adelaide as Executive Director of Advancement, bringing her full circle back to the higher education sector, where her career began. She now steps into her historic role as the first Chief Advancement Officer at Adelaide University.
“I find the chance to create something new really exciting. It's certainly a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be part of a brand new university that can make a difference in the world. The ideals and principles at the core of Adelaide University resonate deeply with me – access, equity, change-making and solving real world problems.”
Although her work sees her thinking at the scale of global impact, Liz’s passion remains with the donors – the individuals whose vision and generosity enables change. “I have an absolutely insatiable curiosity about people,” says Liz. “The way that people think, what motivates them and interests them. I love finding the connections between their interests and the research needs of our community. Exploring those conversations, uncovering how we can partner together for impact – it's just fascinating to me.”
Throughout her career, Liz has also drawn inspiration from those working quietly behind the scenes.
Early in her career at Cornell University, Liz’s position was anonymously funded by Chuck Feeney, founder of Duty Free and one of the world’s most influential philanthropists.
“He was the very first of those major philanthropists who made a fortune… and decided to give it all away. He influenced Bill Gates and others that followed to dedicate the majority of their wealth to philanthropy. Everything he did was without ego, was completely anonymous. His impact changed my life.”
Outside work, Liz is unsurprisingly a lover of the arts. She’s a keen reader and podcast listener, an avid walker, and treasures time with her family. Travel – part necessity, part joy – is a constant in her cross-cultural life. She’s a firm believer that she can't help take care of her team unless she takes care of herself. For her, that means ensuring she has a little time on her own to unwind.
“Ironically, I’m a classic Myers-Briggs introvert. I call myself an accidental extrovert in the sense that I've learned to be one. I love being around people and I love listening, but I do refuel by myself.”
If asked to describe herself, the word she settles for is simple: passionate.
“I have to work in an area that I totally believe in. I make decisions around that principle. I have to be so fully invested in what I do; I have to 100% believe in it.”
“I have the privilege and pleasure to work alongside a team who are as passionate about impact as I am. As Adelaide University opens its doors in 2026, I am so excited to be leading this team to nurture connections with our many dedicated donors, alumni and community members – and those visionaries we are yet to meet. Together, we will create immense impact for students, research, and the community.”
