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January 12, 2026 \u2014 3:13pm<\/p>\n
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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n Save this article for later<\/p>\n Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n Got it<\/p>\n Former University of Melbourne vice chancellor Glyn Davis will return as its interim leader while the university searches for a successor to Emma Johnston, who died last month.<\/p>\n Chancellor Jane Hansen told university staff on Monday that Davis, who most recently headed the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, will take the reins in February.<\/p>\n Davis previously served as the university\u2019s 19th vice chancellor from 2005 to 2018.<\/p>\n \u201cIn making this appointment, the University Council\u2019s focus was on ensuring leadership, stability and confidence as we work toward realisation of the strategic goals outlined in the approved Strategy 2030,\u201d Hansen said via a statement.<\/p>\n Related Article \u201cProfessor 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.\u201d<\/p>\n Professor Johnston, who was described as<\/a> a \u201cvisionary leader in science and research\u201d, had been in the university\u2019s top job for less than 12 months when she died in December from cancer, aged 52.<\/p>\n In her final weeks, Johnston finalised the first step in the University Strategy 2030 \u2013 her 10-year plan that aims to build a more resilient institution amid challenging operating realities, anchored in the goal of benefiting society through education and research.<\/p>\n Hansen said she was grateful to Davis for agreeing to take on the interim role on short notice.<\/p>\n Related Article \u201cMany of you will already know Glyn as our 19th vice-chancellor,\u201d Hansen said on Monday. \u201cDuring this time, he made an extraordinary contribution to our university, including the introduction of the Melbourne curriculum,\u201d Hansen wrote in her all-staff email.<\/p>\n In his own message to staff on Monday, Davis praised Johnston\u2019s \u201centhusiasm and vision\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a shock and tragedy…when a short illness claimed our vice-chancellor, aged just 52,\u201d Davis wrote.<\/p>\n \u201cWe mourn not just a remarkable individual, but the future Emma could see and was so keen to share.\u201d<\/p>\n Professor Michael Wesley and Professor Jane Gunn will serve as acting vice chancellor until Davis begins on February 2.<\/p>\n Start the day with a summary of the day\u2019s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter<\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"Returning](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7f8d08b7e5c2ac4425a85284f1ec51dc1111f09a.jpeg\")
Returning University of Melbourne vice chancellor Glyn Davis.Alex Ellinghausen<\/p>\n![\"Late](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/7f8d7981bfacf1a0faa4476496337c07559dff41.jpeg\")
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