News Archive

Broader role for Professor Tony Downes - and reappointment of Professor Dianne Berry – University of Reading

Professor Tony Downes has been appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading. Professor Downes was previously Reading's Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Resource; his new role will involve closer support of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gordon Marshall. The remit will still include internal matters such as budget, planning, HR, residences and catering, and estate. Professor Downes said: "This is a broader role which also encompasses my previous one of PVC (Resource). My primary function now is to support the Vice-Chancellor, ensuring the day- to-day internal functions of the University run smoothly as well as maintaining the strategic overview of how the University operates. I have been here sixteen years – the last six in the Vice-Chancellor's Office – and have a huge affection for the staff and students. I hope this new role will better serve the University in enabling it to produce excellent research and excellent results for students while continuing to be an excellent place to work." Professor Dianne Berry has been re-appointed as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research for a second term until July 2011. Professor Berry said: "Being a pro-vice-chancellor for research is a challenging position in research-intensive universities at present. We have a clear strategy for how we want to progress the University over the next five years, and I look forward to working with colleagues to lead and deliver this in relation to research." Reading also has Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Teaching and Learning and for Enterprise. ends Lucy Ferguson, Senior Press Officer, Reading University 0118 378 7388 L.Ferguson@reading.ac.uk