Tribute messages

I was heartened to see how willingly Emma stepped out of the office to explore our campuses and engage warmly with students and staff early and often after starting with us. Her energy and passion shone through clearly. At her first all-staff forum, Emma drew on her work as a marine ecologist and noted that resilient ecosystems are characterised by strong connectivity, with organisms linked extensively across all levels of the system. She observed that, in the same way, the University would be more resilient through strong and sustained connections with the communities we serve. This idea has stayed with me. I met Emma once to share information about my department and was struck by how warm, curious and open-minded she was, and how genuinely present she was in the conversation. My thoughts are with her loved ones, and with the colleagues and communities shaped by her presence throughout her life and work. Emma’s achievements and legacy are significant and worth celebrating.

Owen Shemansky

I'd like Prof Emma Johnston's family to know how sorry I am that they have lost such a strong, smart and lively presence. I am sure she was so much more... I thank them for sharing Emma with us at the University - an opportunity that has strengthened our community. As we grapple with the loss, we can also remember her example and advice: that we all draw strength from the links we forge. In that way, Emma Johnston will continue to help all of us, together, to build the resilience we need to do justice to her life as well as ours.

Sara Wills

Dear Professor Johnston - we never met, and really wish we had. I, like so many, were inspired by your achievements and how you embodied the transformative power of research and education that this Institution strives for every day. My sincere condolences to your friends and family for the loss of your life all too soon. I’m sure your legacy will continue to have ripples across time and oceans.

John Hibble

You are a great role model who encourages so many female scientists! Your strong, clear, and considerate leadership is a valuable asset and will motivate and teach me on my way to pursue an academic career. Thank you so much Emma for being such a great individual and for your extraordinary impact as a role model on female scientists. RIP.

Xinyang Fan - a graduated PhD student of UoM

I met Professor Johnston during a visit to the Faculty of Arts in her first weeks as VC. I was struck by how warmly she engaged with ECRs - she was genuinely interested, curious, and excited about our research projects and teaching practices. She asked deep and engaging questions and made you feel extremely valued as a member of the university community. My heartfelt condolences to all who knew her.

Antonia Wimbush

My heartfelt condolences on the passing of Professor Emma Johnston. I was impressed with her sharing about her thoughts on the University's 2030 Strategy. May she rest in peace.

Andi

You were such an important role model as the first female Vice Chancellor !!! I have admired you for your courage to take up this role and for you your vision to initiate change !! Miss you terribly ........

Professor Ingrid Volkmer

As a leader, Emma had that rare combination of a big picture vision combined with care and consideration for individual impacts. She had a great intellect, a vision for change for the University and a deep commitment to improving the world for the better. As a person she was warm, funny, incisive, curious and caring. It was a pleasure to work alongside her and benefit from her wisdom and kindness.

Nancy Huggett

I offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences to Emma’s family for their devastating loss. I had the great privilege of working with Emma over the past year in my role as a Dean and member of the University Executive. Whether the context was formal meetings, strategy sessions, public fora and events, or one-on-one meetings, walking together on the Walk for Truth, and camping together at the Garma Festival, Emma always generously shared her extraordinary intelligence, insight, experience, warmth, kindness and optimism. She was the most inspiring person and leader. What I will remember is Emma’s confidence and belief in the University of Melbourne, her pride in the outstanding quality of our teaching and research, her care of and commitment to our students, and her unwavering belief that we are a resilient institution that will continue to thrive. I am confident we can implement Emma’s strategic vision for our wonderful institution and that her impact will endure.

Professor Michelle Foster, Dean Melbourne Law School

Prof. Emma's visionary leadership and dedication to excellence have profoundly shaped our university and the broader academic community. Her legacy of passion, integrity, and impact will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sheik - Digital Workplace Services

I met Emma only once, when as VC she visited our department in one of what must have been many, many visits to different teams, campuses, and functions right across the university. I still recall just how deeply engaged she was in the work we were doing, how genuinely interested and curious, and thoughtful in her conversation and questions, though we must have been only one of many similar tours for her. She brought an energy to the university, with real enthusiasm and vision, and I was inspired by her, and admiring of her. She will be sadly missed. My condolences to her family and friends.

Kathryn Hore

I first met the VC in her very first week at the University of Melbourne when she was lost on the streets of Melbourne, and I walked her into the Melbourne Leadership Conference venue. Even in that brief encounter, she was warm, gracious, and approachable. In her short time here, her leadership and vision left a lasting impact. This is a devastating loss for her family, friends, the university, and the broader community. My deepest condolences.

Joanna Donagan