Professor Helen Bartlett is a distinguished academic leader, gerontologist, and passionate advocate for equity, innovation, and community engagement in higher education. Since her appointment as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) in August 2020, she has guided the university through a dynamic phase of growth and transformation.
Under her leadership, UniSC has expanded its footprint across South East Queensland and Australia, including the launch and growth of Australia’s first greenfield university campus in 20 years - the UniSC Moreton Bay campus. Professor Bartlett has also cemented UniSC’s position as a national leader in student experience and satisfaction, and an international leader in sustainability.
Professor Bartlett brings extensive international experience in higher education, having held senior leadership roles in Australia, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. Prior to joining UniSC, she was Vice-Chancellor and President of Federation University Australia, where she led major institutional transformation. She was also President and Chief Executive of Monash University Malaysia from 2013 to 2017.
Professor Bartlett has played a pivotal role in shaping national education policy. She served as Chair of the Regional Universities Network (2018–2021), Chair of the Victorian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (2016-2017), as a member and currently Chair of the Australian Government’s Higher Education Standards Panel, and as Chair of the Queensland Vice-Chancellors’ Committee. She was previously an Expert member of the Australian Government Council for International Education. She also contributes as a non-Executive Director to a range of Boards, including Higher Education Services Pty Ltd (HES).
At UniSC, Professor Bartlett has spearheaded initiatives to enhance flexible learning, strengthen community ties and industry partnerships, and broaden access to higher education, particularly for first-generation university students. Her strategic vision continues to position UniSC as an agile, future-focused institution dedicated to enriching lives and communities through education and research.