Professor Mary Stuart has been appointed the new Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln. She will be taking over the role from the current Vice Chancellor, Professor David Chiddick, who will retire in December.
Professor Stuart, who will take up her post in November, is currently Deputy Vice Chancellor at Kingston University, where she has also undertaken the role of Acting Vice Chancellor. She is a former Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Sussex.
“I’m delighted to be coming to Lincoln and it’s an honour to have been selected as the next Vice Chancellor for the University. This University has already achieved so much and has so much potential. I look forward to using my experience working with staff and students to enhance our reputation for high quality education and research both in the UK and further afield,” said Professor Stuart.
She has been Director of the Institute of Education at Sussex and has also held a Research Directorship for the Higher Education Funding Council for England, DFES and the Learning and Skills Council in the National Coordinating Team for widening participation.
Professor Stuart is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a member of a number of national and international committees including HEFCE’s Teaching Quality and Student Experience Committee and a Higher Education Advisor to the World Council for Total Quality and Excellence in Education.
Professor David Chiddick, who will retire as Vice Chancellor later in the year, said: “Professor Stuart is an outstanding appointment and I am confident that together we will effect a smooth transition so that the University of Lincoln continues to develop its local and international excellence.”
With a breadth of experience across all aspects of university management, Professor Stuart’s recent achievements include developing a unique Health Services Partnership between three universities in London, transforming a university’s international engagement and developing new approaches to university strategic planning and the teaching year.
The Chairman of the Board of Governors Graham Secker, added: “Professor Stuart has been appointed from a strong field of applicants which is an indication of the growing reputation of the University. She brings high academic credentials, valuable experience and a successful track record in all aspects of senior management.”