University appoints a new VC and chief executive for next year
THE University of South Wales has appointed a new ViceChancellor and Chief Executive Officer.
Dr Ben Calvert will take over from Professor Julie Lydon who is retiring in the summer, after 11 years in the post.
Dr Calvert is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor at USW and leads the academic portfolio. He has been a member of the executive team since joining the University as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience in 2015.
Dr Calvert said: “I am honoured to have been appointed as University of South Wales’ next Vice-Chancellor. The university has an impressive track record of widening participation and delivering industry-focused learning and teaching, and I look forward to building on these strong foundations established under Julie’s leadership.
“It is a time of major challenge and opportunity in higher education, and the University of South Wales has a key role to play in Wales’ postpandemic recovery. I am looking forward to working with a superb team of dedicated colleagues, as we continue to support students, communities, and businesses to prosper.”
Louise Evans, chair of USW’s board of governors added: “Following a thorough and robust process which included colleagues from across the university, the Students’ Union, governors and two external expert advisers, I am delighted that Ben has accepted the Vice Chancellor position.
“Ben’s energy and vision stood out throughout a competitive field, and his commitment to our staff and students is absolute. Ben’s ongoing chairing of the Welsh Government Higher Education Guidance Group demonstrated his thorough knowledge and expertise of higher education within Wales.
“He has also been a key member of the executive team at USW, which together have steered the university through the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Before joining USW he worked at the University of Gloucestershire, as a Dean of Faculty where he managed the Schools of media, humanities, art and design and computing and technology.
Dr Calvert will take up the ViceChancellor position on September 1, 2021.