The University of Cumbria Board has approved the appointment of Professor Julie Mennell, currently Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development) at the University of Sunderland, as the next vice chancellor of the university.
The appointment followed an extensive recruitment period which was overseen by a search committee appointed by the University Board and resulted in the board having a very large and wide ranging field of strong applicants which was reduced to a final short list of six candidates to consider.
Chairman of the Board, Euan Cartwright says:
“I am delighted to find such a strong candidate for vice chancellor to take the University of Cumbria through its next stage of development. Julie’s strong academic career and extensive experience in management and leadership positions makes her particularly qualified for this role. I was sure that, following the final day of interviews, she would be an excellent successor to Professor Peter Strike, and I am confident we have made a first rate appointment.
"I want to pay tribute to Professor Peter Strike for the excellent job he has done in positioning the university so that it is able to look forward to the future with confidence and I am sure Julie will build on the strong foundation laid by Peter and his colleagues.”
Professor Mennell is looking forward to joining the University of Cumbria. She says:
“I am honoured to be given the opportunity to lead the University of Cumbria into the next phase of its development. Although the university itself is not yet 10 years old, many of its component parts have, for many years, played a significant role in the cultural and economic life of the region. The challenge for us moving forward is to continue to build on this legacy, creating a vibrant institution of high academic merit that provides opportunities for all those who have the potential to benefit from the experience of higher education, with reach and impact across Cumbria, Lancashire and beyond.
“I look forward with enthusiasm to working with the staff and students of the university, and with our partners and stakeholders, to deliver that outcome.”
Professor Mennell is expected to start her new role on 1 August 2016. Professor Strike leaves the institution on retirement on 31 July.
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/AboutUs/News/Articles/201516/February/PR1512.aspx