![\"Noel](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/26adb161fbcb28f8136518f68e3f69ab41b507ea.png\")
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April 23, 2026 \u2014 2:21pm<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n Save this article for later<\/p>\n Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n Got it<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n The University of Melbourne has appointed a new vice chancellor to replace Emma Johnston, who died late last year aged 52.<\/p>\n The prestigious institution has poached Griffith University vice chancellor Carolyn Evans to lead the $3.6 billion organisation, which has been helmed by former top federal public servant Glyn Davis on an interim basis since Johnston\u2019s death in December.<\/p>\n The university\u2019s chancellor, Jane Hansen, said the appointment had come after a time \u201cof profound loss and transition\u201d for the state\u2019s most prestigious tertiary institution.<\/p>\n Since 2019, Evans has been vice chancellor of Griffith University, a 44,000-student operation that sprawls over campuses dotted around Brisbane and south-east Queensland.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor 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,\u201d Hansen said on Thursday.<\/p>\n \u201cShe holds a deep conviction in universities\u2019 ability to change the lives of individuals, contribute to the wellbeing of our country and the future of our world.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThis appointment comes after a period of profound loss and transition for our university community.<\/p>\n \u201cWe honour Professor Emma Johnston\u2019s memory and her contribution during her brief tenure, as we look to the future with confidence and positivity in what our university can achieve.\u201d<\/p>\n Related Article Evans said she had studied at the University of Melbourne in her undergraduate days and later worked at the institution.<\/p>\n \u201cMy 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,\u201d she said on Thursday.<\/p>\n \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI recognise and respect the important role played by Professor Emma Johnston in setting a bold agenda, and I look forward to working with colleagues, students and partners in making its aspirations a reality.\u201d<\/p>\n More to come <\/p>\n Start the day with a summary of the day\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"University](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/02cee71fd3d82b6b64bd86f70c90586cf11cf4c6.jpeg\")
University of Melbourne vice chancellor Emma Johnston died in December after a brief battle with cancer.Peter Casamento<\/p>\n![\"Carolyn](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/383dd4058f5f98c9b196e924d0d1fbdc0988f5d2.jpeg\")
Carolyn Evans has been appointed vice chancellor of the University of Melbourne.Dominic Lorrimer<\/p>\n![\"Late](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7f8d7981bfacf1a0faa4476496337c07559dff41.jpeg\")
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