Professor Roy (Gus) Guthrie was the foundation Chairman of Griffith University's School of Science. Professor Guthrie was a brilliant leader and the School soon gained a reputation for its very high standards in research and its innovative teaching approach. Professor Guthrie would go on to be appointed the University's first Pro Vice Chancellor (Deputy Vice Chancellor) in 1980. In this more senior role, he was again at his innovative best and made a number progressive changes to the way the organisation was governed and administered, particularly in the area of staff policy and procedural administration.