Griffith University
As one of Australia’s most diverse and inclusive tertiary institutions, Griffith University is committed to creating a future for everyone. Since opening in 1975 with a promise to make education as accessible and egalitarian as possible, the University has evolved into a respected and influential incubator of progressive thought leadership. With a faculty boasting four Australian University Teachers of the Year and more national awards in the past five years than any other Australian university’s staff, Griffith’s students receive a world-class education informed by the University’s decades of experience in driving innovation and achievement in higher education. Griffith also prides itself on its exceptionally strong industry and community ties, which are fundamental to the University’s learning and teaching philosophy, and provide invaluable partnerships, perspectives and experience for staff and students alike. As the home of renowned centres such as the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD), Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ), Griffith Institute for Tourism (GIFT), the Australian Rivers Institute (ARI), Cities Research Institute (CRI) and many more, the University consistently produces cutting-edge, impactful research focused on making a positive difference for Australia and the world.
Governance
Griffith has a core foundation of four academic groups: Arts, Education and Law; Griffith Business School; Griffith Health; and Griffith Sciences. We also have schools, departments and centres that fall under our academic groups, plus a range of research centres and institutes that develop new knowledge that feeds into these areas. We also have an array of administration services that support the university, staff and students as well as our research, teaching and learning. Griffith is led by Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans and the University Executive Group, and our governing body is the Griffith University Council and its committees.
Griffith University is aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and is committed to advancing sustainable development through comprehensive initiatives that promote economic prosperity, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and good governance for all.
The Chancellor
The Hon. Andrew Fraser
Chancellor of Griffith University
The Hon Andrew Fraser is the University’s sixth Chancellor, and the first alumnus to hold the position.
Mr Fraser is a professional director with a wide range of roles across the private, public and charitable sectors. He is currently serving as Chair of Bank of Queensland (ASX: BOQ), and Orange Sky Australia. In addition, he is a director on the Brisbane Broncos Ltd (ASX: BBL) and is the President and Chair of Motorsport Australia. Mr Fraser is also a member of the Advisory Council of Climate Governance Initiative Australia (CGIAA Council) and the World Motorsport Council.
A graduate of Griffith University, Mr Fraser completed degrees in Commerce and Law (with First Class Honours) for which he received the University Medal. Mr Fraser has served on the University Council since 2017 and was the Deputy Chancellor and Chair of the Finance, Resources and Risk Committee before being elected as Chancellor. Mr Fraser has previously served as a director of a range of entities, including Australian Retirement Trust, the Australian Sports Commission, New Zealand Rugby League, 3rd Space and Moorebank Intermodal Company. Prior to becoming a full-time director, Mr Fraser served as Head of Strategy and Investment at the NRL. From 2007 to 2012, Mr Fraser was Treasurer of Queensland. He held a range of other portfolios including State Development, Trade, Economic Development and Employment, Sport, Racing and Local Government and was Deputy Premier from 2011 to 2012.
Mr Fraser is a member of the University Chancellors Council (UCC). The UCC is the forum for the Chancellors of all public, not for profit universities in Australia to discuss key issues for the higher education sector.
Governing body
University Council
The Griffith University Act 1998 [the Act] establishes the Council of Griffith University as the University’s governing body. The functions and powers of Council are conferred under the Act.
Council has overall responsibility to provide leadership, good governance and oversight of the University. Council approves the University’s strategic direction, monitors the University’s progress, and approves the University’s budget, policies and delegations of authority. Through its strategic oversight, Council ensures the effective overall management of the University. Council members ensure that Council performs its functions and exercises its powers appropriately, effectively and efficiently.
Membership
Official Members
Chancellor: The Hon. Andrew Fraser
Vice-Chancellor: Professor Carolyn Evans (Ex-Officio)
Members appointed by the Governor-in-Council
Deputy Chancellor: Ms Rebecca Frizelle OAM (30 October 2029)
Pro-Chancellor: Ms Amelia Evans (to 30 October 2029)
Pro-Chancellor: Ms Karen Prentis (to 30 October 2029)
Dr Hal Rice (to 30 October 2029)
The Hon. Dr Brett Mason (to 30 October 2029)
The Hon Justice Anthe Philippides SC (to 30 October 2029)
Mr Jason Murakami (to 30 October 2029)
Members appointed by the Council
Pro-Chancelor: Ms Jessica Rudd (to 30 October 2029)
Professor John Dewar AO (to 31 December 2028)
Mr Andrew Hawkins (to 30 June 2026)
Mr Joshua Creamer (31 December 2026)
Members elected by the university community
Academic Staff: Professor Matthew Currell (27 October 2029)
Academic Staff: Dr Carolyn Hastie (27 October 2029)
Professional Staff: Ms Joanne Chang (27 October 2029)
Students (Postgraduate): Mr Ryo Takamizawa (27 October 2027)
Students (Undergraduate): Ms Natalia Drazek (27 October 2027)