Griffith University Chancellor the Hon. Andrew Fraser has announced the appointment of Professor Jessica Vanderlelie as the University’s sixth and next Vice Chancellor and President.
Professor Vanderlelie is the first Griffith graduate to lead the University and replaces Professor Carolyn Evans who was at the helm from early 2019 until August 2026.
Professor Vanderlelie grew up on the Gold Coast, completed her undergraduate and postgraduate study at Griffith, and began her academic career teaching biochemistry at the Gold Coast campus.
Mr Fraser said Professor Vanderlelie brought a strong record in education leadership to the role.
“Professor Vanderlelie is an outstanding educational leader and is passionate about the opportunity for education to make a difference,” he said.
“Her commitment to students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, has defined her career.”
Professor Vanderlelie was the inaugural recipient of the Vice Chancellor’s Teacher of the Year Award and, in 2016, the inaugural Innovative Research Universities Vice Chancellors’ Fellow.
She has since held senior leadership roles at La Trobe University and Deakin University, including Deputy Vice Chancellor appointments at both Victorian institutions.
She is an Australian Learning and Teaching Fellow and a recipient of the Australian Award for University Teaching.
Professor Vanderlelie is a former Deputy Chair of the Universities Australia Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Committee and was the Universities Australia nominee to the Board of Education Services Australia.
Her work has spanned gender-based violence prevention, First Nations Peoples participation, equity and inclusion, student success, and digital transformation.
She has also contributed to national discussions on the social licence of universities and the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence.
Mr Fraser said University Council had sought a leader with the vision and energy to accelerate Griffith’s existing strategy.
“Professor Vanderlelie is fully committed to our strategic plan and the vision launched earlier this year,” he said.
“This appointment does not signal a change in direction.
“It signals the energy required to deliver on our strategy in a way that focuses on students.”
Professor Vanderlelie said her connection to the University began three decades ago.
“From the first day I stepped onto the Gold Coast campus 30 years ago, it felt like home,” she said.
“You could feel being part of a genuine community.
“That sense of belonging built my confidence as a first-in-family student and sparked a passion for the student experience that has shaped my career.”
Professor Vanderlelie said she was looking forward to listening to students and stakeholders and working with the University’s many communities.
