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, expanding its footprint across South East Queensland and Australia, and strengthening ties with local communities in the regions.
With a career spanning almost four decades, 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 a significant institutional transformation and championed regional innovation. She also served as President and Chief Executive of Monash University Malaysia from 2013 to 2017.
Professor Bartlett has played a pivotal role in shaping national education policy, contributing as chair of the Regional Universities Network (RUN) from 2018–2021, Chair of the Victorian Vice-Chancellor’s Committee (2016–2017), Member and currently Chair of the Australian Government’s Higher Education Standards Panel, and previously Expert member of the Australian Government Council for International Education, and member of the National Priorities and Industry Linkage Fund Working Group. She also contributes as a non-Executive Director to a range of Boards, including Higher Education Services Pty Ltd (HES).
At UniSC, she has spearheaded initiatives to enhance flexible learning, strengthen 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.