New VC for University of Melbourne

“After an extensive search, the University of Melbourne has announced the appointment of Professor Carolyn Evans as its new vice-chancellor. Professor Evans is currently the VC of Griffith University, which she has led since 2019, and is an internationally recognised expert in the areas of law and religious freedom. She is also the chair of Universities Australia (UA), a position she will maintain until the end of next year. In her time at UA she has been a vocal critic of the Job-Ready Graduates scheme. “In the short term, I would encourage the government to deal with the worst excesses for current students by eliminating the highest level of student contribution and replacing it with the second highest tier,” Professor Evans said in her National Press Club address last year. “That would theoretically cost $770 million a year, it would be a burden shifted back on to the taxpayer, but off the back of students, and there couldn’t be a time when students more critically need it.” Melbourne University Chancellor Jane Hansen congratulated Professor Evans on her new role, emphasising the wealth and breadth of experience she has across the sector. “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,” Ms Hansen said. “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. “Since 2019, 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.” Professor Evans started her studies at the University of Melbourne, completing her Bachelor or Arts and Bachelor of Laws with honours, before going on to do her doctorate at Oxford. She later returned to the university, where she held a number of roles, including dean of the law school from 2011 to 2017. “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,” Professor Evans said. “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.”

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