This May, we’re excited to feature Jodie Davis in our HEUG Famous series! As the Registrar at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia, Jodie has a rich history of collaboration, leadership, and innovation in the HEUG community. From her early days attending mini-HEUG events to her current role as Chair of the Global Council, Jodie exemplifies dedication to enhancing the higher education experience through technology and teamwork. Let’s dive into her story and discover what inspires her passion for student success and professional growth.
Where do you work? How long have you been there?
I am currently the Registrar at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia. I have been at Griffith for a little over 3 years.
Are you working on-site, remotely, or hybrid? What has that experience been like for you?
My university supports staff to work from home for up to 40% of their workweek but personally I prefer to work on campus. I enjoy the spontaneous conversations and informal interactions when I cross paths with a colleague in the hallway or walking around the campus. I am grateful that Griffith has a flexible workplace as I see the benefits of that for many of my staff.
What Student or ERP system do you work in, and what modules do you primarily work with?
Griffith uses PeopleSoft Campus Solutions as our student system. As a Registrar I just need to know how to look things up on occasion so that I can be self-sufficient. Fortunately, with my previous institution also on PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and my experience in operational roles, I have been a PeopleSoft user for a very long time.
When did you get involved with HEUG? How did that happen?
I first became involved in the HEUG around 2014-2016 when my former Registrar, Gail White, at my previous institution, was President of the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) chapter of HEUG. Gail could see the benefit that being involved in HEUG could bring to her wider student-focused team, not only those who were involved in the student system side of the team.
In what capacities have you been involved with HEUG?
I was only loosely involved to start with, mainly attending and presenting at events. However, when I arrived at Griffith University I made some enquiries about what was happening with HEUG in ANZ. I discovered that the Chair, John Reed, was seeking a replacement so that he could enjoy retirement. John and I discussed a transition period with a view to me taking on the role. That also meant joining the Global Council with colleagues from all around the world and taking on the huge responsibility of our annual HEUG ANZ event. Recently I stepped into the role of Chair of the Global Council and joined the HEUG Board of Directors.
Do you have a favorite or meaningful story regarding your time in HEUG?
Attending Alliance for the first time this year would have to be my favourite HEUG story. I finally got the chance to meet colleagues from around the world who I had been collaborating with online for over 3 years.
What has been your favorite conference location? Why?
I have only been to one Alliance, earlier this year in New Orleans so that has to be my favourite. New Orleans is such a great city, and somewhere I had always wanted to visit, so I am sure it would have been at the top of the list anyway!
What is your first HEUG related memory?
I recall delivering a presentation at one of the early mini-HEUG events that we hosted at the University of Newcastle on our new credit application tracking system (CATS) that was quite sector-leading at the time. It was probably the first HEUG event I attended. The presentation sticks out in my memory as it featured lots of funny cat photos!
What is YOUR value proposition for HEUG?
HEUG combines some of my key passions all into one neat package. I’ve always had a strong interest in technology and a curiosity to experiment with it. I also enjoy collaborating with colleagues from around the world and from totally different parts of institutions to maximise our tech investments and positively impact the experiences of our students and staff.
Do you have a work-related philosophy you would like to share?
I have a couple. The first relates to how I have navigated my career in higher ed. There were a few crossroads in the journey where I needed to decide what side of the institution I wanted to work on. For me, it’s always been about making a difference for students, so it became really important to me that I try and stay on the student-facing side of the institution. The other is more of a self-preservation philosophy to not sweat the small stuff. There are some truly awful things going on in the world, so I try my best to keep things in perspective.
What new app/technology/platform is intriguing to you right now?
Naturally I am going to say GenAI. I think we are just starting to scratch the surface in terms of the possibilities.
Thank you, Jodie, for sharing your journey, wisdom, and the meaningful ways you’ve contributed to the HEUG community. Your leadership and passion inspire us all to think bigger, collaborate better, and stay focused on making a difference for students and institutions worldwide. We’re grateful for everything you do and look forward to seeing the continued impact of your efforts!
Want to connect with Jodie? Visit her HEUG profile or connect with her on LinkedIn.