A former Deputy Vice Chancellor, scientist and leading educator is one of several members of the Griffith University community acknowledged in the 2023 Australia Day Honours.
Professor Emeritus Debra Henly received a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) award for significant service to education administration and science.
A Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic, 2016-2019) and Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor (2019-2020), Professor Emeritus Henly also filled the role of Pro Vice Chancellor of Griffith Sciences for four years from 2012 to 2016 after a distinguished research and teaching career in the biomedical field at University of Queensland and Bond University.
Professor Emeritus Henly said the honour sits on top of a career aimed at making higher education and science an attraction to students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute to a number of universities as a teacher, researcher and more recently in leadership roles as a PVC and DVC.
“I am very grateful to a large number of people who have supported my career and provided opportunities for me to pursue my passion for science and education. In no small part, this award also belongs to them.”

Distinguished Professor Lyn Griffiths AM
Distinguished Professor Lyn Griffiths is another long-serving former academic staff member to be recognised with an award, with the former Director of Griffith Health Institute acknowledged with an AM for her service to genetics and to research into neurological disorders.
Other recipients of Australia Day Honours include:
Adjunct Research Fellow at Griffith Criminology Institute Dr Heather Nancarrow an AM for significant service to education and to the safety of women.

Dr Heather Nancarrow AM
Catherine Hunt, Executive in Residence at Griffith Business School, an AM for significant service to the arts and culture and to women.
Angela Coble, a Griffith Mentor, STEM Women (2018-2021), an OAM for service to business.
Bachelor of Communication, Journalism and Creative Writing alumnus Belinda Knierim, an OAM for service to the arts and human rights.
There were several Griffith alumni recognised as recipients in the 2023 awards: