Melbourne brings back Glyn Davis as interim vice-chancellor

Glyn Davis is temporarily returning as vice-chancellor at the University of Melbourne following the death of former head Emma Johnston from cancer complications last year.

Davis, who previously served as the university’s vice-chancellor from 2005 to 2018, will take on the interim role on 2 February while a search for a permanent vice-chancellor continues, the university said in a statement on 12 January.

“During this time, he made an extraordinary contribution to the university, including the introduction of the Melbourne curriculum,” the university said, referencing its switch to a broader undergraduate degree structure during Davis’ previous tenure as vice-chancellor. 

Davis was also secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet from June 2022 to June 2025 and currently chairs Opera Australia. He began his academic career at Griffith University, where he went on to become vice-chancellor and president from 2002 until 2005. 

Johnston died aged 52 following an 11-month tenure as head of the institution. The marine biologist passed away “due to complications associated with cancer”, the university said on 29 December. She was the university’s first female vice-chancellor. 

Davis said he would “honour the legacy” of Johnston and “continue the work to make the University of Melbourne a world-leading and globally connected Australian university”.

“I am humbled to be invited and appreciate the importance of continuity and stability at a challenging moment,” he added.

Melbourne’s chancellor, Jane Hansen, thanked Davis for once again serving the university in the vital leadership role. 

“In making this appointment, the university council’s focus was on ensuring leadership, stability and confidence as we work toward realisation of the strategic goals outlined in the approved Strategy 2030,” Hansen said, referring to a road map outlining the university’s goals.

“Professor Davis, with his unique knowledge and experience of the University of Melbourne, and broader higher education sector, is perfectly placed to lead the university into semester one and begin implementation of the strategy.”

Davis is married to Margaret Gardner, governor of Victoria and former vice-chancellor of Monash University.  

Melbourne is consistently ranked among Australia’s top universities. This year, it ranked 37th in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. 

seher.asaf@timeshighereducation.com