Professor Nick Petford DSc has been appointed as the next Vice
Chancellor of The University of Northampton. He will succeed Ann
Tate, the current Vice Chancellor, who retires this summer after
eight years in the role.
Professor Petford, a geologist by training and currently Pro
Vice Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at Bournemouth
University, will join The University of Northampton on 1 September
2010.
The Chair of the Governing Council, Mrs Deirdre Newham,
said: "I am delighted to welcome Professor Petford to The
University of Northampton. Under the leadership of Ann Tate,
Northampton was granted university status in 2005 and has
positioned itself as a leading provider of higher education for the
region and beyond. In succeeding Ann Tate, Professor Petford will
build on her success by leading our ambitious vision for the
University set out in our new Strategic Plan."
Pictured above: Professor Nick Petford
Professor Nick Petford added: "I am honoured to be joining
The University of Northampton as its next Vice Chancellor. The
sector will face unprecedented challenges over the next few years
and Ann Tate will be a hard act to follow but our future will also
herald new opportunities.
"I am tremendously excited by the prospect of working with
staff, students and Governors on the next stage of our journey
towards becoming a truly world-class university."
Ann Tate said: "Northampton has been fortunate in
attracting a candidate of the stature of Nick Petford to be our
next Vice Chancellor and I am confident that he will enable the
University to reach its potential in the next phase of its
development."
Professor Paul Curran, Vice Chancellor of Bournemouth
University, commented: "The University of Northampton are to
be congratulated on their appointment of Professor Nick Petford as
their next Vice Chancellor. Nick's strong academic credentials,
energy and leadership experience will equip him very well indeed
for this role. Nick will make an excellent Vice Chancellor and I am
delighted for him."