The Vice Chancellor and President is the Chief Executive Officer of the University and is responsible to the Council of the University
As Vice Chancellor, Professor Carolyn Evans is responsible for:
- articulating a clear strategic direction for the University
- providing academic and administrative leadership
- maintaining a focus on quality
- engendering a collegial community amongst staff and students
- fostering effective relationships with stakeholders
- ensuring sound financial management and stewardship of resources.
The Vice Chancellor also has a number of statutory responsibilities and accountabilities outlined in the Griffith University Act 1998 and other relevant state and commonwealth legislation and is involved in the following associations.
The Vice Chancellor is a member of Universities Australia the forum of the chief executive officers of Australia's universities. Universities Australia promotes the needs, interests and purpose of Australian universities and develops policy positions and guidelines on higher education matters.
Alongside the vice chancellors of the other six member institutions of Innovative Research Universities, the Vice Chancellor is heavily involved in the work of this national alliance of research-based universities each of which has comprehensive disciplinary coverage and a strong commitment to innovation and an inter-disciplinary focus.
Reports to university council
Browse the Vice Chancellor's reports for the past five years
News
November 26, 2019
Griffith arts alumni scoop showcase grants
Griffith alumni have received more than $150,000 in grants as part of the Queensland Arts Showcase Program.
November 18, 2019
Students shoot passion project with screen icon Hugo Weaving
Griffith Film School students have reunited with Aussie actor Hugo Weaving for a series of short films on autism.
November 17, 2019
Griffith unveils future with ambitious plan
‘Creating a Future for All: Strategic Plan 2020-2025’ sets out the University’s vision as it approaches its 50-year anniversary in 2025.
November 11, 2019
Art inspires creativity at new innovation hub
Queensland College of Art alumnus and lecturer Dr Simon Degroot created an epic 5m x 16m floor to ceiling mural for the Griffith Innovation Centre.
Events
November 26, 2019
Griffith arts alumni scoop showcase grants
Griffith alumni have received more than $150,000 in grants as part of the Queensland Arts Showcase Program.
November 18, 2019
Students shoot passion project with screen icon Hugo Weaving
Griffith Film School students have reunited with Aussie actor Hugo Weaving for a series of short films on autism.
November 17, 2019
Griffith unveils future with ambitious plan
‘Creating a Future for All: Strategic Plan 2020-2025’ sets out the University’s vision as it approaches its 50-year anniversary in 2025.
November 11, 2019
Art inspires creativity at new innovation hub
Queensland College of Art alumnus and lecturer Dr Simon Degroot created an epic 5m x 16m floor to ceiling mural for the Griffith Innovation Centre.
Inviting the Vice Chancellor to your event
External organisations
The Office of the Vice Chancellor is happy to receive enquiries about the Vice Chancellor’s availability for your event. If you wish to invite the Vice Chancellor, it is important to test a date as early as possible by emailing Ms Jennifer Trapp at vcappointments@griffith.edu.au.
Staff
Any staff wishing to invite any dignitaries to officiate at an event must complete a Dignitary Invitation Request available on Griffith events.
Honouring remarkable griffith people
We honour remarkable people for success in their respective fields
University executive
Professor Carolyn Evans
Vice Chancellor and President
Debra Henly
Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor
Martin Betts
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Engagement)
Andrea Bishop
Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) - Acting
Mr Peter Bryant
Vice President (Corporate Services)
Scott Harrison
Pro Vice Chancellor (Arts, Education and Law) - Acting
David Grant
Pro Vice Chancellor (Business)
Sheena Reilly
Pro Vice Chancellor (Health)
Former vice chancellors
Griffith owes much of its success to the outstanding leadership of its former Vice Chancellors
Strategic directions
The Strategic Plan provides the blueprint for this University's development through to our 50th anniversary in 2025, and beyond. It reflects our intent to be more confident in the expression of our strong values, to be more distinctive from our competitors, to be more ambitious in our aspirations for the future, and to be a university renowned for its commitment to excellence, ethical behaviour and engagement.
- Strategic plans for the core businesses of the University are available through the Plans and publications page.
- Operational and implementation plans and reports are available to Griffith users only via the Staff portal.
Contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor

Office of the Vice Chancellor
Leneen Forde Chancellery (G34)
Griffith University
Gold Coast campus
Southport Qld 4222

Office of the Vice Chancellor
Bray Centre (N54)
Griffith University
170 Kessels Road
Nathan Qld 4111