Professor Jessica Vanderlelie has been appointed Vice Chancellor and President of Griffith University.
Professor Vanderlelie, who will take up the role from November 16, 2026, will be the first graduate of the university to serve in the top job.
She has been in her current role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic of Deakin University since early last year.
Griffith’s current Vice Chancellor, Carolyn Evans, announced in April that she was moving to the University of Melbourne as Vice Chancellor.
Griffith University Chancellor Andrew Fraser said Professor Vanderlelie was an outstanding educational leader.
“Her commitment to students – particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds — has defined her career,” he said.
Professor Vanderlelie grew up on the Gold Coast and completed undergraduate and postgraduate study at Griffith.
She began her academic career teaching biochemistry at the Gold Coast campus.
She 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.
Mr Fraser said Griffith University’s Council had sought a leader with the vision and energy to accelerate the University’s existing strategy.
“Professor Vanderlelie is fully committed to our Strategic Plan and the vision launched earlier this year,” Mr Fraser 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.”
