Professor Steven West is to be appointed the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West of England, Bristol, the largest university in the South West of England. Professor West is currently Acting Vice-Chancellor.
Professor West said, “UWE Bristol is a fantastic place, serving a vibrant and dynamic region. I am delighted that I will be appointed its Vice-Chancellor. I am keen for the University to go on playing a full role in the life of the region. Strong partnerships with the region's employers and community have enhanced our excellence in learning and teaching, research and knowledge exchange, and extending educational opportunities.
“UWE Bristol is responding to the new higher education landscape by being innovative and adaptable. I believe this University has set new standards in the way students are welcomed, taught and equipped to succeed once they graduate. Our staff and students have created a University with an enterprising and engaging culture which fully supports a vision built around excellence in partnership working. This has led to the University having the best record among modern universities in bidding success for research contracts and many of our students winning national and international prizes. This is what makes UWE Bristol an innovative, exciting, engaging and inclusive place to work"
Ray Burton, Chairman of the Governors at UWE Bristol says, “In the last few years UWE Bristol has invested in improving the student experience, with new residential accommodation and sports facilities. Links with colleges have been strengthened to improve progression for the region's students. It has nearly doubled its number of research students and research income, expanded its international connections and invested over £6m annually in widening participation activities.
“Professor West's career mirrors what is distinctive about UWE Bristol. With his background as a health professional, he has built the University's relationship with the NHS, creating a successful faculty with one of the first and largest inter-professional learning programmes for NHS staff. He also has strong links with industry and has played a leading part in steering the University through significant change over the last few years. The Governors believe he has the experience, energy and drive to lead the University through its next phase of development, and were unanimous in agreeing his appointment"
Professor West joined UWE Bristol in 1995 as Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care from a similar position at the University of Huddersfield. He became a Deputy Vice Chancellor early in 2007 and took over as Acting Vice-Chancellor in September. He is a Non Executive Director of the Strategic Health Authority for the South West, a Trustee and Director of the Brandon Trust, and Chair of the Council of Deans of Health (representing university faculties of nursing and health professionals across the UK). His research interests include podiatry and the workforce modernisation agenda of the NHS. His leisure-time interests include scuba diving, which came in useful recently when he was persuaded to appear in his full diving gear during the Student Union's RAG fundraising activities.
At aged 46, Professor Steve West will be one of the youngest Vice-Chancellors in the UK.
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