Following the opening of Australia’s new major university on 5 January 2026, Professor Nicola Phillips has commenced in her role as Vice Chancellor and President (Vice Chancellor).
Adelaide University is delighted to announce the commencement of its new Vice Chancellor who will lead the institution through its formative years.
Chancellor of Adelaide University Ms Pauline Carr, said she is confident the University will begin its operations with strong stewardship as it delivers on a compelling vision for the State and nation with a global mindset.
“We are delighted to welcome Prof. Phillips to Adelaide University as we enter a new phase for both our community and higher education more broadly,” Chancellor Carr said.
“With some 30 years of experience, Prof. Phillips joins Adelaide University with a deep understanding of the sector and our mission as we embark on significant step-changes to bring together teaching and research, excellence and equity, and student experience and scale, to deliver greater academic purpose and impact.”
Adelaide University Chancellor Ms Pauline Carr and Vice Chancellor and President Professor Nicola Phillips
As Vice Chancellor of Australia’s new major university, Prof. Phillips will be a defining leader as Adelaide University becomes a differentiated member of Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8).
“The coming together of two remarkable universities opens up a rare opportunity to do something different and genuinely special,” Prof. Phillips says.
“The creation of Adelaide University is without a doubt one of the most significant developments in Australian higher education and nothing short of momentous for South Australia and the nation.
“The core of Adelaide University’s ambition powerfully intersects with the values and commitments which shape what I believe contemporary universities can and should stand for.
“We will redefine what it means to be a leading Australian university, which unequivocally aspires to the highest national and international standards of academic quality. But we will reimagine the concept of excellence and impact with the expansion of opportunity in all its forms.”
Prof. Phillips also recognises the importance of consistency and culture as the University moves through its ten-year transformation.
“In my view, culture is the single most important enabler of everything that we aspire to do and everything we want to stand for. My ambition is to set Adelaide University apart as a distinctively people-centred institution, with a culture which sets a modern benchmark for integrity, conduct and trust,” Prof. Phillips says.
Adelaide University becomes the newest member of the Go8, a global top 100 university, one of Australia’s largest domestic educators, and home to a global community of some 70,000 students, 11,000 staff and 7,000 partners.