Vice Chancellor elected as University Alliance Chair
Professor Watkins to lead membership body for professional and technical universities
ARU Vice Chancellor Professor Roderick Watkins is the new Chair of University Alliance
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), has been appointed Chair of University Alliance (UA), leading the organisation as it continues to champion the role of professional and technical universities in driving economic growth, skills development, research and innovation across the UK.
University Alliance (UA) represents 20 UK universities that specialise in working closely with industry and employers. UA member universities are leading providers of teaching in healthcare, the creative industries, social sciences, engineering, business and computing, and are some of the biggest degree apprenticeship providers in the UK.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Derby, will serve as Deputy Chair, whilst Professor Mairi Watson, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, will serve as Treasurer. The three leaders take up their positions today following elections by the UA board.
The leadership team will work alongside Chief Executive Vanessa Wilson and the UA board to drive forward the organisation’s new strategy and to advance its mission of ensuring universities play a central role in delivering the skills, research, innovation and public service workforce the UK needs.
“It is a privilege to have been elected as Chair of University Alliance. I look forward to working with colleagues across our membership to advance our shared priorities at a defining time for higher education.
“Alliance universities are engines of growth and innovation, deeply embedded in the communities we serve. Through our excellence in teaching, impactful applied research and strong partnerships with employers, we are delivering the talent, innovation and opportunities that enable our regions and nations to thrive. As Chair, I look forward to championing the distinctive contributions our members make and ensuring University Alliance remains a leading voice in shaping the future of higher education.”
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of ARU and the new University Alliance Chair“I am delighted to welcome Roderick, Kathryn and Mairi to these important leadership roles. Each brings a wealth of experience, a strong commitment to students, employers and communities, and a deep understanding of the distinctive contribution that University Alliance universities make to the UK's prosperity and future success.
“I look forward to working closely with Roderick, Kathryn and Mairi as we champion our members, strengthen our collective impact, and ensure University Alliance remains a vital sector voice in the years ahead.”
Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance