50 University Provosts and Deputy Vice-Chancellors in Australia

University leadership means holding several jobs at once. The people below carry academic strategy, research performance, student experience, Indigenous leadership and international partnerships for institutions that teach hundreds of thousands of students and employ tens of thousands of staff.

This is a recognition directory of 50 current provosts and deputy vice-chancellors across Australian universities, current as of 8 and 9 August 2026. Every entry was checked against the university's own leadership page, and the group spans large metropolitan universities and multi-campus institutions across every state.

University roles change often, so read this as a snapshot of who is doing this work right now rather than a permanent record. It is a starting point for noticing the scale and structure of leadership behind Australian higher education.

1. Professor Annamarie Jagose

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, The University of Sydney

Professor Annamarie Jagose holds the role of senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at The University of Sydney. She oversees academic enterprise, university operations and strategic planning across faculties, centres and other units.

That portfolio sits close to the daily reality of academic delivery, where strategy becomes classroom, campus and research outcomes.

2. Professor Joanne Wright

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students), The University of Sydney

Professor Joanne Wright serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students) at The University of Sydney. She leads teaching, learning, curriculum renewal, digital learning, academic quality and student services.

That mandate connects institutional strategy directly to the experience of students, staff and researchers.

3. Professor Lucy Marshall

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Leadership), The University of Sydney

At The University of Sydney, Professor Lucy Marshall carries the title of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Community and Leadership). She leads the university's strategic direction across culture, leadership and diversity, equity and inclusion.

It is a portfolio that turns broad university strategy into decisions felt across faculties and campuses.

4. Professor Mike Ryan

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), The University of Sydney

Professor Mike Ryan currently leads as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at The University of Sydney. He leads research strategy, performance and partnerships, and joined Sydney in 2026 from Monash University.

The role links high-level planning to the practical work of running a large, complex institution.

5. Professor Mark Blows

Provost and Senior Vice-President, The University of Queensland

Professor Mark Blows holds the role of provost and Senior Vice-President at The University of Queensland. UQ lists him in its Senior Executive Team with university-wide academic leadership responsibilities.

It is one of the seats where university-wide priorities get translated into everyday academic and operational decisions.

6. Professor Kris Ryan

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), The University of Queensland

Professor Kris Ryan serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at The University of Queensland. UQ gives the role a focus on academic strategy, quality and the student learning environment.

That remit places the role at the intersection of strategy, delivery and accountability for a large institution.

7. Professor Julie Cogin

Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Australian Catholic University

At Australian Catholic University, Professor Julie Cogin carries the title of provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). ACU says she oversees academic quality and standards and works across the university's faculties.

The portfolio carries real weight in shaping how the university performs against its stated priorities.

8. Professor Joanne Cys

Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Adelaide University

Professor Joanne Cys currently leads as provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Adelaide University. Adelaide University's governance page lists her among its Deputy Vice Chancellors in the senior leadership structure.

It is a role that shapes outcomes for thousands of students and staff across the institution.

9. Professor Vlado Perkovic

Provost, UNSW Sydney

Professor Vlado Perkovic holds the role of provost at UNSW Sydney. UNSW's leadership page places the role within the university's senior executive leadership group.

That responsibility sits at the centre of how the university balances ambition with day-to-day delivery.

10. Professor Merlin Crossley AM

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality), UNSW Sydney

Professor Merlin Crossley AM serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Quality) at UNSW Sydney. UNSW's leadership page gives the portfolio a clear focus on academic standards.

The position gives its holder genuine influence over how strategic priorities become lived reality on campus.

11. Professor Bronwyn Fox AO

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise), UNSW Sydney

At UNSW Sydney, Professor Bronwyn Fox AO carries the title of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise). UNSW's leadership page connects her research leadership remit with enterprise partnerships.

It is a portfolio where national policy, institutional strategy and local delivery all meet.

12. Professor Colin Grant

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global), UNSW Sydney

Professor Colin Grant currently leads as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global) at UNSW Sydney. UNSW notes his previous international leadership role at Queen Mary University of London.

That combination of scope and proximity to delivery makes the role genuinely consequential.

13. Professor Leanne Holt

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), UNSW Sydney

Professor Leanne Holt holds the role of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at UNSW Sydney. UNSW says she is its inaugural Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous and a Worimi and Biripi woman from the mid-coast of New South Wales.

The role carries direct accountability for outcomes that matter well beyond the university's own walls.

14. Professor Sarah Maddison

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), UNSW Sydney

Professor Sarah Maddison serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) at UNSW Sydney. UNSW says the division includes marketing and digital experience, the registrar and student services, education and student success.

It sits among the portfolios that determine whether strategic plans translate into real change.

15. Professor Tim Dunne

Provost and Senior Vice-President, Monash University

At Monash University, Professor Tim Dunne carries the title of provost and Senior Vice-President. Monash's current VCEC page lists him in the principal management committee.

That mandate touches everything from classroom experience to institutional reputation.

16. Professor Allie Clemans

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Senior Vice-President, Monash University

Professor Allie Clemans currently leads as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University. Monash lists her in its current executive committee membership.

The position reflects how much modern university leadership depends on distributed, specialised accountability.

17. Professor Sarah McDonald

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) and Senior Vice-President, Monash University

Professor Sarah McDonald holds the role of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University. Monash lists her in its current executive committee membership.

It is a role built for holding competing priorities in balance across a large organisation.

18. Professor Robyn Ward

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President, Monash University

Professor Robyn Ward serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University. Monash lists her in its current executive committee membership.

That scope of responsibility shapes both the student experience and the university's standing more broadly.

19. Professor Tristan Kennedy

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President, Monash University

At Monash University, Professor Tristan Kennedy carries the title of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and Senior Vice-President. Monash lists him in its current executive committee membership.

The portfolio demonstrates how far senior university leadership now extends beyond the Vice-Chancellor's office alone.

20. Professor Craig Jeffrey

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President, Monash University

Professor Craig Jeffrey currently leads as deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University. Monash lists him in its current executive committee membership.

It is a seat with real influence over how the institution meets its public and academic obligations.

21. Professor Jane Gunn AO

Interim Provost, The University of Melbourne

Professor Jane Gunn AO holds the role of interim Provost at The University of Melbourne. Melbourne's senior leadership page places the Provost role as the Vice-Chancellor's deputy chair.

That responsibility connects the university's stated strategy with what actually happens on the ground.

22. Professor Gregor Kennedy

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), The University of Melbourne

Professor Gregor Kennedy serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) at The University of Melbourne. Melbourne lists him in its current senior leadership team.

The role is a reminder that large universities are run by teams of specialised senior leaders, not one person alone.

23. Professor Michael Wesley

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement), The University of Melbourne

At The University of Melbourne, Professor Michael Wesley carries the title of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Global, Culture and Engagement). Melbourne lists him in its current senior leadership team.

It carries weight because decisions made in this portfolio ripple through the rest of the institution.

24. Professor Mark Cassidy

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), The University of Melbourne

Professor Mark Cassidy currently leads as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at The University of Melbourne. Melbourne lists him in its current senior leadership team.

That mandate keeps the university's strategic ambitions tied to practical, measurable delivery.

25. Professor Barry Judd

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), The University of Melbourne

Professor Barry Judd holds the role of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) at The University of Melbourne. Melbourne lists him in its current senior leadership team.

The position sits where academic judgement and institutional management have to work together.

26. Professor Robina Xavier

Provost, Queensland University of Technology

Professor Robina Xavier serves as provost at Queensland University of Technology. QUT's executive team page places the role among the university's senior executive leaders.

It is a portfolio that shapes how staff and students actually experience the university day to day.

27. Professor Wesley Enoch AM

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Australians), Queensland University of Technology

At Queensland University of Technology, Professor Wesley Enoch AM carries the title of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Australians). QUT's executive team gives the portfolio an institution-wide leadership remit.

That scope gives the role genuine leverage over the university's direction and performance.

28. Professor Mark Harvey

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Vice-President (Business Development), Queensland University of Technology

Professor Mark Harvey currently leads as deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Vice-President (Business Development) at Queensland University of Technology. QUT's executive team lists his responsibility as spanning international work and business development.

The position reflects the scale of coordination required to run a modern Australian university well.

29. Professor Ian O'Hara

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Queensland University of Technology

Professor Ian O'Hara holds the role of deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Queensland University of Technology. QUT's executive team lists him as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, distinct from the university's Pro Vice-Chancellor research roles.

It is one of the roles that keeps a large, multi-campus institution moving in one direction.

30. Professor Liz Burd

Provost, Griffith University

Professor Liz Burd serves as provost at Griffith University. Griffith's Executive Group lists her as Provost, a senior role advising the Vice Chancellor on university-wide matters.

That responsibility places the role at the heart of how the university delivers on its public purpose.

31. Professor Shaun Ewen

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education), Griffith University

At Griffith University, Professor Shaun Ewen carries the title of deputy Vice Chancellor (Education). Griffith's Executive Group gives the portfolio responsibility for learning and teaching leadership.

That portfolio sits close to the daily reality of academic delivery, where strategy becomes classroom, campus and research outcomes.

32. Professor Lee Smith

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research), Griffith University

Professor Lee Smith currently leads as deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at Griffith University. Griffith's Executive Group gives the role a clear research leadership focus.

That mandate connects institutional strategy directly to the experience of students, staff and researchers.

33. Angela Barney-Leitch

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous), Griffith University

Angela Barney-Leitch holds the role of deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) at Griffith University. Griffith's Executive Group lists her in the university's senior leadership structure.

It is a portfolio that turns broad university strategy into decisions felt across faculties and campuses.

34. Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice-President, RMIT University

Distinguished Professor Calum Drummond AO serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice-President at RMIT University. RMIT lists him among its academic executives with responsibility for research and innovation.

The role links high-level planning to the practical work of running a large, complex institution.

35. Mish Eastman

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice-President, RMIT University

At RMIT University, Mish Eastman carries the title of deputy Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education and Vice-President. RMIT lists her among its academic executives with responsibility for vocational education.

It is one of the seats where university-wide priorities get translated into everyday academic and operational decisions.

36. Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos

Deputy Vice-Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President, RMIT University

Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos currently leads as deputy Vice-Chancellor STEM College and Vice-President at RMIT University. RMIT lists her among its academic executives with responsibility for the STEM College.

That remit places the role at the intersection of strategy, delivery and accountability for a large institution.

37. Professor Tim Marshall

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Design and Social Context and Vice-President, RMIT University

Professor Tim Marshall holds the role of deputy Vice-Chancellor Design and Social Context and Vice-President at RMIT University. RMIT lists him among its academic executives with responsibility for Design and Social Context.

The portfolio carries real weight in shaping how the university performs against its stated priorities.

38. Professor Colin Picker

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Business and Law and Vice-President, RMIT University

Professor Colin Picker serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor Business and Law and Vice-President at RMIT University. RMIT lists him among its academic executives with responsibility for Business and Law.

It is a role that shapes outcomes for thousands of students and staff across the institution.

39. Professor Sherman Young

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Vice-President, RMIT University

At RMIT University, Professor Sherman Young carries the title of deputy Vice-Chancellor Education and Vice-President. RMIT lists him among its academic executives with responsibility for Education.

That responsibility sits at the centre of how the university balances ambition with day-to-day delivery.

40. Professor Rorden Wilkinson

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Macquarie University

Professor Rorden Wilkinson currently leads as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Macquarie University. Macquarie describes him as the chief academic officer, with overall responsibility for planning, quality and delivery of education.

The position gives its holder genuine influence over how strategic priorities become lived reality on campus.

41. Professor Eric Knight

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Operations), Macquarie University

Professor Eric Knight holds the role of deputy Vice-Chancellor (People and Operations) at Macquarie University. Macquarie says he leads strategic resource planning, workforce development and core professional functions.

It is a portfolio where national policy, institutional strategy and local delivery all meet.

42. Professor Sakkie Pretorius

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Macquarie University

Professor Sakkie Pretorius serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Macquarie University. Macquarie's portfolios page lists him in its executive structure with responsibility for research strategy.

That combination of scope and proximity to delivery makes the role genuinely consequential.

43. Professor Rob Pike

Provost and Senior Vice-President, La Trobe University

At La Trobe University, Professor Rob Pike carries the title of provost and Senior Vice-President. La Trobe's Senior Executive Group lists him as Provost and Senior Vice-President.

The role carries direct accountability for outcomes that matter well beyond the university's own walls.

44. Professor Parshia Lee-Stecum

Deputy Provost, La Trobe University

Professor Parshia Lee-Stecum currently leads as deputy Provost at La Trobe University. La Trobe's Senior Executive Group lists her in the university's senior management structure.

It sits among the portfolios that determine whether strategic plans translate into real change.

45. Professor Chris Pakes

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Innovation), La Trobe University

Professor Chris Pakes holds the role of deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at La Trobe University. La Trobe's Senior Executive Group lists him with responsibility for research and innovation.

That mandate touches everything from classroom experience to institutional reputation.

46. Professor Sue Bennett

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic), La Trobe University

Professor Sue Bennett serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic) at La Trobe University. La Trobe's Senior Executive Group lists her with responsibility for academic matters.

The position reflects how much modern university leadership depends on distributed, specialised accountability.

47. Dr Stacey Farraway

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Future Growth), La Trobe University

At La Trobe University, Dr Stacey Farraway carries the title of deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Future Growth). La Trobe's Senior Executive Group lists her with responsibility for future growth.

It is a role built for holding competing priorities in balance across a large organisation.

48. Professor Matthew Tonts

Provost, Curtin University

Professor Matthew Tonts currently leads as provost at Curtin University. Curtin's current Senior Executive Team page lists him as Provost.

That scope of responsibility shapes both the student experience and the university's standing more broadly.

49. Professor Mark Ogden

Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Curtin University

Professor Mark Ogden holds the role of interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Curtin University. Curtin says he stepped into the role in April 2026 from Pro Vice-Chancellor, Science and Engineering.

The portfolio demonstrates how far senior university leadership now extends beyond the Vice-Chancellor's office alone.

50. Professor Lindy Fitzgerald

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Curtin University

Professor Lindy Fitzgerald serves as deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Curtin University. Curtin's current Senior Executive Team page lists her as Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research.

It is a seat with real influence over how the institution meets its public and academic obligations.

Conclusion

Three things stand out across this group. First, most large Australian universities now split the old deputy vice-chancellor job into several focused portfolios, from Indigenous leadership to global engagement to research enterprise, which spreads accountability across more named leaders.

Second, movement between universities is common at this level. Several people on this list moved into their current role from another university's executive team within the last two years, which shows how mobile senior higher education leadership has become.

Third, provosts and deputy vice-chancellors sit closest to the daily reality of academic delivery, so their decisions shape the experience of students and staff more directly than headline strategy documents usually suggest. That combination of scale and proximity to delivery is why this layer of leadership is worth knowing.

About the Author

Jonno White is the author of Step Up or Step Out and a Certified Working Genius Facilitator, using the Working Genius framework created by Patrick Lencioni and The Table Group. Jonno is Brisbane based and works with schools, organisations and leadership teams around the world.

Next Read

If you lead a large team through change, Working Genius FAQ: 100 Questions Answered is a practical companion for understanding how your executive team works best together. For a broader look at building leadership capability across a complex organisation, see Strategy Leadership Consultant.

If you lead a university team and want your senior leadership group working better together, I can help with a keynote, workshop or facilitated session. Email jonno@consultclarity.org and I will send through the written options and next steps.