Leadership Transition: Griffith University’s Vice-Chancellor Takes Key Role in Higher Education

New Era for Australian Universities Under Professor Carolyn Evans’ Leadership

In a significant leadership transition within Australia's higher education sector, Professor Carolyn Evans has been appointed as the new Chair of Universities Australia (UA) following the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). Succeeding Professor David Lloyd of the University of South Australia, she brings extensive experience and a strong commitment to academic excellence and social equity to the role. A distinguished legal scholar, Professor Evans completed her studies at the University of Melbourne before earning a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford. Before she was appointed Vice-Chancellor and President of Griffith University in 2019, she held several senior leadership positions at the University of Melbourne, where she made significant contributions to policy development and institutional growth.

Furthermore, as a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia, she has consistently championed the integration of high-quality teaching and research with a dedication to social justice and inclusivity. Having served on the UA Board since 2023, her leadership is expected to shape national higher education policy and strengthen the sector’s commitment to diversity and accessibility. At the AGM, Universities Australia confirmed the appointment of new Board members, including Professor Rufus Black from the University of Tasmania, Professor Harlene Hayne from Curtin University, and Professor Andrew Parfitt from the University of Technology, Sydney. Additionally, continuing Board members include Professors Attila Brungs, Renee Leon, Adam Shoemaker, Zlatko Skrbis, and Mr. Luke Sheehy, CEO of Universities Australia. All appointments took immediate effect, reinforcing UA’s dedication to guiding the higher education sector towards progress.

Outgoing Chair Professor David Lloyd described his tenure as an honour and a privilege, reflecting on his six years on the Board, including his two-year term as Chair. He expressed gratitude for the support of his colleagues, recognising their collective efforts in navigating the sector through significant challenges and towards a unified direction. Furthermore, he thanked fellow members for entrusting him with leadership during what he described as a defining period for Australian higher education. Expressing optimism for the sector’s future, he highlighted the potential of the Universities Accord. He voiced confidence in Professor Carolyn Evans as his successor, affirming that the sector was in capable hands.

In response, Professor Evans acknowledged both the challenges and opportunities of her new role as Chair. She praised Professor Lloyd’s leadership and lasting contributions to the sector. Emphasising the vital role of universities in shaping Australia's future, she reaffirmed her commitment to working with members, industry, and government to strengthen the higher education sector. Additionally, she underscored the need for stable policy and funding to support the continued delivery of skills, knowledge, and innovation. Professor Evans’ appointment marks a crucial step in advancing Australia’s university system, ensuring that it continues to thrive both academically and socially.

Editor’s Note:

The appointment of Professor Carolyn Evans as Chair of Universities Australia marks an important transition in the sector’s leadership. With a distinguished career spanning legal scholarship and university administration, she brings expertise and a strong commitment to both academic excellence and social justice. Her tenure comes at a crucial time when Australian universities must navigate challenges such as funding constraints, policy uncertainty, and the evolving demands of students and industries. Under her leadership, Universities Australia has the opportunity to advocate for stronger support for higher education, ensuring universities remain drivers of innovation and social progress. Stability in funding and policy will be essential for maintaining the sector’s global competitiveness and delivering on key priorities such as accessibility, diversity, and research excellence. Without consistent investment and thoughtful policies, even the most capable leadership cannot prevent setbacks in the sector’s long-term development.

Skoobuzz believes that Professor Evans’ success will depend not just on her vision but also on the willingness of policymakers and stakeholders to collaborate in strengthening Australia’s higher education landscape.