Central Queensland University and Griffith have both announced new Vice-Chancellors in a changing of the guard for the state’s academic sector.

Griffith University has appointed former University of Melbourne deputy vice-chancellor Carolyn Evans to take up the role of vice-chancellor and president.

An Oxford graduate and leading lawyer, Professor Evans is also a Rhodes and Fulbright scholar, and is known internationally as an expert on religious freedom and the relationship between law and freedom.

“I am committed to continuing Griffith’s distinctive traditions of inter-disciplinarity, innovation, excellence and social justice which have allowed it to be recognised as one of the top 50 international universities under fifty years old,” Professor Evans said.

Griffith University chancellor Henry Smerdon said Professor Evans was a “dynamic, experienced and outstanding university leader” capable of taking Griffith further.

Taking on the leadership role after Griffith’s 14-year vice-chancellor Ian O’Connor announced he was leaving, Professor Evans said she was honoured by the appointment.

Professor Evans will take up the role in February next year.

And after vice-chancellor Professor Scott Bowman announced his retirement, CQU has appointed University of Canberra deputy vice-chancellor Professor Nick Klomp in his stead.

Professor Klomp is an internationally-recognised researcher in applied ecology and environmental science who also held a leadership role at Charles Sturt University in the science faculty.

“CQUniversity has been doing some great things when it comes to accessibility and inclusion, the student experience, international outreach and research, and I am looking forward to being a part of this impressive team,” Professor Klomp said.

CQU chancellor John Abbot said Professor Klomp “possessed the energy, enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise” to lead the university’s strategic growth into the future.

Primarily based out of Rockhampton, Professor Klomp will start his new role in February 2019.