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Following a comprehensive global search, Adelaide University has this week announced Professor Nicola Phillips as its new Vice Chancellor.

Professor Phillips joins Adelaide University from the University of Melbourne where she has served as both Acting and Interim Vice Chancellor. Her career spans 30 years in the higher education sector across Australia and the United Kingdom.

Founding co-Vice Chancellors, Professors Peter Høj AC and David Lloyd, will continue to lead Adelaide University until Professor Phillips starts in the role in mid-January 2026, at which time they will transition the leadership and wind down the two foundation universities.

Opening its doors to students from 2026, Adelaide University will be the largest educator of domestic students in Australia, and aims to be ranked as the best university nationally for student employment outcomes, in the top five Australian universities for student experience, and sustainably ranked in the top one percent of universities globally.

The South Australian Government has committed $464.5 million towards the creation of Adelaide University, which includes funding to establish research and student support funds and the purchase of university land.

By 2034, Adelaide University is expected to contribute an estimated additional $500 million per year to the South Australian economy, educate more than 70,000 students and create an additional 1,200 jobs.