Professor Jessica Vanderlelie | La Trobe University

Recorded at the backdrop of UA Solutions Summit 2025, this special episode of the Champions Coffee Podcast features a conversation between Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Ben Hallett, and Professor Jessica Vanderlelie, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic at La Trobe University. Jessica also serves as Co-Chair of Universities Australia Women and Deputy Chair of the Universities Australia DVC Academic Committee.

A nationally recognised leader in learning and teaching, student success, and widening participation, Jessica is a passionate advocate for equity, inclusion, and student partnership. At La Trobe, she has led the development of sustainable, efficient service delivery models that elevate the student and staff experience.

Driven by purpose and a deep belief in psychological safety as the foundation for organisational culture, Jessica is known for fostering innovation and mentoring the next generation of leaders across higher education. Her contributions have been recognised through numerous prestigious awards, including the AFR Emerging Leader Award and an Australian Award for Excellence in Teaching. A Fellow of the International Federation of National Learning and Teaching Fellows, Jessica brings a creative and collaborative approach to educational transformation and access.