University of Melbourne appoints new leader following VC’s death

The University of Melbourne has appointed a new vice chancellor to replace Emma Johnston, who died late last year aged 52.

The prestigious institution has hired Griffith University vice chancellor Carolyn Evans to lead the $3.6 billion organisation, which has been helmed by former top federal public servant Glyn Davis on an interim basis since Johnston’s death in December.

The university’s chancellor, Jane Hansen, said the appointment had come after a time “of profound loss and transition” for the state’s most prestigious tertiary institution.

Since 2019, Evans has been vice chancellor of Griffith University, a 44,000-student operation that sprawls over campuses dotted around Brisbane and south-east Queensland.

“Professor Evans brings with her a deep understanding of the matters facing higher education institutions and a firm belief that universities are powerful forces for good in our society,” Hansen said on Thursday.

“She holds a deep conviction in universities’ ability to change the lives of individuals, contribute to the wellbeing of our country and the future of our world.

“Professor Evans has led Griffith University with clarity and purpose, becoming its first female vice chancellor, and we are pleased to welcome Professor Evans back to the University of Melbourne as our next vice chancellor.

“This appointment comes after a period of profound loss and transition for our university community.

“We honour Professor Emma Johnston’s memory and her contribution during her brief tenure, as we look to the future with confidence and positivity in what our university can achieve.”

Evans said she had studied at the University of Melbourne in her undergraduate days and later worked at the institution as a high-ranking official.

“My own life was changed profoundly for the better because of the outstanding education I received at Melbourne as an undergraduate and the opportunities I was given as a staff member,” she said on Thursday.

“I am committed to ensuring that Melbourne continues to be a global leader in the higher education sector, while demonstrating its value to the nation and to the communities it serves.

“I recognise and respect the important role played by Professor Emma Johnston in setting a bold agenda, and I look forward to working with colleagues, students and partners in making its aspirations a reality.”

The university’s main staff union, the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) welcomed the appointment of Evans, who will start work at the Parkville campus in October, but warned that it expected progress on new enterprise agreements for the uni’s nearly 14,000 staff despite the change of leadership.

“Professor Evans brings significant experience and a strong connection to the University of Melbourne. We welcome her appointment and look forward to working constructively with her when she commences in October,” NTEU official David Gonzalez said.

“Enterprise bargaining is happening now, and staff are looking for real movement in the months ahead,” he said.

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