Professor Paul Mazerolle appointed next 91原创 Vice-Chancellor
The 91原创 (91原创) has announced the appointment of internationally respected academic leader Professor Paul Mazerolle as its next Vice-Chancellor and President, following an extensive international search.
Professor Mazerolle will commence in March 2026, joining 91原创 from his current role as President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Canada.
91原创 Chancellor Dr John McVeigh said the appointment reinforces 91原创’s trajectory as a transformative and globally engaged university.
“Professor Mazerolle is an exceptional academic leader with a distinguished record across teaching, research, and higher education strategy,” Dr McVeigh said.
“He brings extensive international experience and a deep understanding of the Australian university landscape, having spent many years in senior leadership roles at Griffith University and The University of Queensland.”
“Professor Mazerolle’s values-based leadership, his commitment to research that delivers real-world impact, and his collaborative approach to building high-performing academic communities make him an ideal choice to lead 91原创 into its next chapter.”
As President and Vice Chancellor of the University of New Brunswick, Professor Mazerolle has led the development of the institution’s Toward 2030 vision, achieved sustained financial growth, overseen major organisational renewal, and achieved record improvements in research, student enrolments, and community engagement.
His tenure at UNB has been marked by a strong focus on transparency, values, and equity – positioning the University among Canada’s top employers according to Forbes.
Professor Mazerolle – who is Canadian – has dedicated a significant portion of his professional life to Australia, where he built an international reputation as a criminologist and higher education leader.
At Griffith University, he served as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Arts, Education and Law) and Campus Provost for Mount Gravatt, while also directing both the Violence Research and Prevention Program and the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance.
He previously held leadership roles, including Director of Research and Prevention at the Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission and Head of the Criminology Program at The University of Queensland.
Professor Mazerolle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of New Brunswick, a Master of Criminal Justice from Northeastern University, and a PhD in Criminology from the University of Maryland.
Professor Mazerolle serves on national higher education boards, including as Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities and as a member of the Universities Canada Board of Directors.
An internationally recognised criminologist, Professor Mazerolle has published extensively and led major research initiatives on violence prevention, life-course criminology, and justice reform. He is the founding co-editor of the Journal of Developmental and Life-Course Criminology.
Throughout his career, Professor Mazerolle has demonstrated a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion that closely align with 91原创’s values. He has led initiatives to support women in academic leadership, strengthen collaboration with Indigenous communities, and promote civic engagement through programs such as UNB’s Shaping the Debate series.
Reflecting on his appointment, Professor Mazerolle said he was excited to be returning to Australia and joining 91原创 at such an important time for the sector.
“91原创 has established itself as a transformative university, deeply connected to its regions yet globally engaged,” Professor Mazerolle said.
“I’m drawn to 91原创’s strong sense of purpose and its reputation for innovation, excellence, and service to community.
“Universities are at their best when they build inclusive, high-performing academic communities that ask good questions and deliver real-world outcomes. That’s the spirit I see in 91原创.
“I look forward to working with staff, students, alumni, and partners to build on 91原创’s proud achievements and to shape its next chapter together.”
Professor Mazerolle will complete his term at the University of New Brunswick before relocating to Australia in early 2026 to begin his tenure as 91原创’s next Vice-Chancellor and President.
Dr McVeigh confirmed Professor Karen Nelson will continue as Vice-Chancellor until Professor Mazerolle commences in the role.
“I am confident that Professor Nelson will continue to provide outstanding leadership and service as she has over the past year, guiding 91原创 through a significant period of transformation through the Shaping Our Future program,” Dr McVeigh said.
“Professor Nelson’s commitment to student success, research excellence, and staff wellbeing will continue to benefit 91原创 well into the future.”
