Professor Carolyn Evans takes on Griffith University vice chancellor role on Gold Coast

The newest vice chancellor for a leading Gold Coast university isn’t nervous about her new post — just excited. Here’s what drew the accomplished academic and lawyer to the job.

FROM juggling Ikea builds, to contemplating the future of one of the Gold Coast’s tertiary institutions, Griffith University’s new vice chancellor has been busy since arriving.

As the first female in the role, Professor Carolyn Evans says she isn’t nervous, only excited to have come to the Gold Coast two weeks ago to take over the reins of the major university.

“I have been very busy. We have been putting together flat packs and getting ready for the new year, and at the end the day I can now go to the beach. Who wouldn’t love the Gold Coast?” the accomplished lawyer and academic told the Bulletin.

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Griffith Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans was welcomed to the university this week.

“I have had a great affection for Griffith in regards to the role it plays in the community and what it has become as a research and education leader.

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“The university ticks three major boxes in my mind in regards to its ethical commitment, engagement with the students and the community and the excellence of teaching, and I am excited to be part of that.”

Prof Evans left her post as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Graduate and International) and Deputy Provost at the University of Melbourne to shift to Queensland.

Griffith University’s Gold Coast Campus. Photo by Richard Gosling

Despite University of Melbourne’s reputation and long history, Prof Evans said the academic focus and growth opportunities at Griffith, particularly through the health and knowledge precinct, were a major drawcard.

“There are great commitments to research and the community here, take the Glycomics Institute as an example — we could be finding a cure to malaria here in this city,” Prof Evans said.

“The Gold Coast is a really innovative place, a lot of people willing to give it a go and there is huge investment in the education and research space.”

Griffith Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans

She said she hoped to work to lift local participation in higher education.

“There are huge strides being made. However, the level is still not where it should be. There are bright kids here and it is a matter of creating the right path for them and building on Griffith’s great track record.”

In addition to her time at the Supreme Court of Victoria, Prof Evans’ credentials include a doctorate from Oxford University where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar and receiving an esteemed Fulbright Senior Scholarship.

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The mother of two school-aged children specialises in religious freedoms which she finds particularly relevant in today’s society.

Though honoured at her new appointment, she does not read too far into the significance of her appointment as the first female in the role.

“I feel very honoured in following in a line of impressive and committed vice chancellors.

“I will be happy when we don’t have to note first women in any role because there are already so many that have gone before.

“I just hope to do as well as I possibly can and hope my position has a positive effect on other women.

“Ultimately, I see universities as a transformative place, an institution that can transform lives at a micro level, education in one life, helping one family and going on to have a ripple effect in the community.

“I am very much looking forward to my time here.”

Originally published as Professor Carolyn Evans takes on Griffith University vice chancellor role on Gold Coast