Next university vice-chancellor reveals ambition
THE University of Birmingham has appointed a new vice-chancellor. Adam Tickell has been given the prestigious role and will replace Sir David Eastwood upon his retirement in December.
Mr Tickell is an experienced leader in the higher education sector and joins the Edgbaston institute from University of Sussex where he has spent the last five years as vice-chancellor.
The appointment marks a return to University of Birmingham for the professor as he was previously provost and vice-principal and also pro vice-chancellor of research and knowledge transfer.
He began his academic leadership career in 2003 as a research director in the faculty of social sciences and law at University of Bristol and four years later joined Royal Holloway in London as dean of the faculty of history and social sciences.
Mr Tickell said: “I am thrilled to be taking on this exciting role at a crucial time for the university.
“Although the backdrop for universities is challenging, Birmingham is very well placed to thrive.
“My ambition is for Birmingham to be known as the most innovative, vibrant and exciting place to
work or study in the UK.”
Mervyn Walker, pro-chancellor and chairman of council at the University of Birmingham, added: “I am delighted to congratulate Professor Tickell on his appointment.
“This was a rigorous and highly competitive selection process and the standard was exceptionally high.
“Professor Tickell has an impressive track-record of leadership in higher education.
“He brings a combination of clear strategic vision, a collegiate leadership style, intellectual credibility,
a depth and breadth of academic understanding and genuine national influence.”
He added: “Under Professor Sir David Eastwood’s leadership, the research, education, civic mission and global influence of the university have been transformed and we are now firmly established as an innovative and bold global institution.
“Sir David’s legacy provides a truly remarkable platform on which to build, one which allows us to set the even more stretching aim of becoming one of the world’s leading universities.”