Professor Jessica Vanderlelie is Deakin University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, with strategic responsibility for the quality and integrity of the University’s academic programs, the advancement of educational innovation, and the delivery of high-quality student support. She leads institution-wide efforts to ensure Deakin offers contemporary curriculum, evidence-informed teaching and a connected, student-centred experience.

Driven by a deep commitment to equity and opportunity, Professor Vanderlelie has led major reforms that strengthen support for diverse learners, simplify academic processes and foster more inclusive educational environments. She is nationally recognised as a transformative higher education leader, an Australian Learning and Teaching Fellow, and the recipient Australian Awards for University Teaching.

Originally trained as a biochemist, she brings a strong scholarly foundation to her leadership and maintains a national profile in research and policy related to student transition and success, equity, learning analytics, employability, curriculum and assessment.