New Vice-Chancellor starts at Middlesex University

Professor Shân Wareing will begin her role today as Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University. She joins from the University of Northampton where she was Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Wareing has a strong track record of over 20 years' leadership experience in higher education. She previously held the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University of Northampton, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience at London South Bank University and Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching at Buckinghamshire New University.

During Professor Wareing's first weeks she will meet with colleagues from across the University, with students, including our Students' Union and with members of the Board of Governors.

Commenting on her first day Professor Wareing said:

"I'm delighted to be taking up my new role as Vice-Chancellor. From the start I was drawn to Middlesex's academic energy and innovation, the university's location and role in the region, and the evident commitment to provide high-quality education that is inclusive and accessible to all. I've started to meet staff and students at Open Days and Board meetings, and I was delighted to join last week's inspiring 'Celebrating Teaching Excellence Awards" ceremony, including the Student-Led Teaching Awards'. I am looking forward to meeting many more of you over coming weeks."

"I am very much looking forward to working with staff and students in all faculties, taking forwards the University's Strategy to continue to create knowledge and put it into action, and to empower people to change their lives." Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University

"It is a challenging time for universities, as we all know, but there are also many opportunities. Ultimately, we exist to prepare our students so they can lead the lives they chose and shape the world of work as skilled and capable graduates, and we exist to serve society through education and knowledge exchange on a foundation of research. I am convinced demand for higher education will continue, and we will rise to meet that demand, even if it means some things have to be done differently from in the past.

"Middlesex has a strong reputation as a multi-disciplinary global university, a reputation I am passionately committed to sustaining and growing. I am looking forward to meeting colleagues at our campuses in Dubai and Mauritius, to meeting community leaders and policy makers in Hendon and across London, and to building on relationships with employers so we continue to understand and respond to their needs. Our international and local activity can augment and enhance each other; our reach and work across national boundaries have the potential to make us more attractive to students, employers and partners. It's exciting to have this opportunity to develop global citizens with capacity to address complex global problems.

"I am very much looking forward to working with staff and students in all faculties, taking forwards the University's Strategy to continue to create knowledge and put it into action, and to empower people to change their lives."

Commenting on the appointment, Chair of the Middlesex Board of Governors, Rebecca Lawrence, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Shân. Already she has shown a clear vision and plan, backed by evidence and optimism, of what she and colleagues would do to lead successfully and build Middlesex's future."

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• Professor Tim Blackman steps down as Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor