Lancaster University has appointed its new Vice-Chancellor, Andy Schofield. Currently the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Birmingham, Schofield will join Lancaster on the 1stMay 2020.
Replacing Mark Smith who left the position earlier this year, Schofield will become Lancaster’s 7th Vice-Chancellor. Like his predecessor, Schofield specialises in Physics. He studied Natural Sciences at Gonville and Caius College in Cambridge, graduating in 1989. A winner of the Schuldham Plate and the Mott prize for physics, he obtained his PhD in 1993 and was elected a Research Fellow at Gonville and Caius.
When advertised, Lancaster’s new Vice-Chancellor was asked to have, ‘Strategic vision, inspiring leadership and innovation to enable sustainable institutional development. They will bring significant academic credibility to the role, as well as a focus on external engagement, alongside an open, inclusive and collegiate approach… The appointed candidate will celebrate diversity and be committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and students.’
He said, ‘I am honoured and excited to be joining Lancaster University. It is a University with a superb reputation and becoming a part of the talented community of staff and students that define the University and to contribute by serving as its Vice-Chancellor is a wonderful privilege.’
‘I am following in the footsteps of excellent leadership that has positioned the university well for achieving its ambition of being yet more globally significant as we enter a new decade. Working together with collegiality, equality and fairness with enable us to continue to grow Lancaster’s reputation for delivering the highest quality research, teaching and a best-in-class student experience that engaged locally and globally. I am very much looking forward to taking up my new role and to meeting colleagues.’
Lancaster’s Pro-Chancellor Lord Liddle commented:
“The appointing committee were unanimous in the decision to appoint Andy, who demonstrated that he shares the values and purpose of Lancaster University and has a clear vision for its future success.
“Not only is he an outstanding academic and leader, but has acted as a champion for equality issues in his current role and is firmly committed to widening participation, equality, diversity and inclusion within universities – issues that Lancaster is working hard to address.”
This is an ongoing story.
