Professor Carolyn Evans commences as Vice-Chancellor
Professor Carolyn Evans has commenced as the University of Melbourne’s 22nd Vice-Chancellor, returning to the University where she spent 25 years as a student and staff member.
“It's a great honour to lead the University of Melbourne as its Vice-Chancellor,” Professor Evans said.
“The University has a transformative impact on the lives of our students, and on local and global communities through its research and engagement.
“This exceptional institution is close to my heart. As a student and former staff member, my time at this University changed my life immeasurably for the better, as it has for so many.
University of Melbourne Chancellor Ms Jane Hansen AO with Professor Evans. Picture: Aaron Francis.
“The world has changed significantly since I was a student here. Our students’ experience today needs to prepare them for an increasingly complex world, including the opportunities and challenges of AI, while remaining deeply human.
“My focus is on ensuring Melbourne continues to be a global leader in education and research, making an even greater contribution to our nation, the world and the communities we serve.
“The University of Melbourne has an extraordinary past and an enormous opportunity to build an equally extraordinary future.”
Chancellor Jane Hansen AO said: “Today marks a very important moment for the University as we welcome Professor Carolyn Evans back to Melbourne to begin her tenure as our 22nd Vice-Chancellor. I look forward to working with her as she engages with our community and helps shape the institution’s next chapter.
“Professor Evans will lead the University of Melbourne with clarity and purpose, meeting the significant opportunities and demands ahead with ambition and care.
“Building on the foundations of Strategy 2030, Professor Evans brings a deep understanding of this institution, complemented by the perspective and experience gained through her highly successful leadership at Griffith University and as Chair of Universities Australia.”
Professor Evans begins her tenure following the University of Melbourne's rise to 34th in the 2027 Times Higher Education Global Rankings. During her first weeks back on campus, Professor Evans will meet students, staff and alumni. She will also attend several key events including the 30th anniversary celebration of Professor Peter Doherty AC's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, the Galli Research Symposium and the Grimwade Medallist Oration.
As Melbourne prepares to become Australia’s largest city, Vice-Chancellor Professor Evans will take part in the inaugural Melbourne Assembly, a three-day public forum bringing together industry leaders, key decision-makers, and the community to shape the city’s future.
Professor Evans is an internationally respected legal scholar specialising in human rights, religious freedom, freedom of speech and academic freedom. A University of Melbourne alumna, she completed Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees with Honours before undertaking doctoral research at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.
A distinguished researcher and author, Professor Evans has held multiple Australian Research Council grants and published extensively with leading academic publishers including Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press.
She is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and the Australian Academy of Law, and a recipient of a Fulbright Senior Scholarship.
Professor Evans served as Dean of Melbourne Law School from 2011 to 2017, followed by senior University leadership roles including Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Advancement), Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Graduate and International) and Deputy Provost.
Professor Evans rejoins the University of Melbourne after serving as Vice-Chancellor of Griffith University since 2019.
She is currently Chair of Universities Australia, the peak body representing Australia’s universities.