The South Australian Government has officially announced Professor Nicola Phillips as the incoming Vice Chancellor and President of the new Adelaide University.
The announcement follows a global search conducted by the Adelaide University Transition Council. Set to commence her role on 12 January 2026, Professor Phillips will relocate from the University of Melbourne, where she has held positions as both Acting and Interim Vice Chancellor.
Until Professor Phillips assumes her position, the responsibility of leading Adelaide University will remain with the founding co-Vice Chancellors, Professors Peter Høj AC and David Lloyd. They will continue their leadership roles before handing over the reins to Professor Phillips, completing the merger and forming the new institution that is Adelaide University.
This appointment marks a pivotal step in the establishment of the new Adelaide University. The SA Government has said that this merger aims to position the institution as a leader in education, increasing its impact both academically and economically within South Australia and beyond.
Projected outcomes for Adelaide University by 2034 are significant. It is expected to not only infuse an additional $500 million annually into the South Australian economy but also cater to over 70,000 students and generate approximately 1,200 new jobs. Such contributions are seen as pivotal to bolstering the local economy and enhancing the state’s educational landscape.
Education Minister Susan Close said, “The Malinauskas Government welcomes the appointment of Professor Nicola Phillips as the new Vice Chancellor and President of Adelaide University.”
“The new Adelaide University will transform education, research, and innovation outcomes in South Australia, boosting economic opportunities and prosperity,” Close added.
“I also want to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of founding co-Vice Chancellors, Professors Peter Høj AC and David Lloyd and acknowledge their continued roles in transitioning leadership to Professor Phillips,” Close continued.
The university’s upcoming strategy includes positioning itself as the largest educator of domestic students nationally, aiming for the leading rank in Australia for student employment outcomes. It aims to be among the top five universities for student experience and to maintain a sustainable position in the top one percent of universities globally.
With Professor Phillips at the helm from January 2026, Adelaide University is set to bring South Australia into a new era of tertiary education.
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