Introducing our new Vice-Chancellor
Thursday, 20 October 2011
ÔÇÿI look forward to helping the University expand its national and international profile and build on the substantive successes of recent yearsÔÇÖ
The University is delighted to announce that Sir David Bell is to become our new Vice-Chancellor with effect from January 2012. Sir David will join the University from the Department for Education, where he is currently Permanent Secretary.
Sir David brings a wealth of achievement and experience to the University, acquired during an impressive 30 year career in the education sector. He was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2006, having previously served as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools.
As the most senior education civil servant in the country, Sir David has served four Secretaries of State and three Prime Ministers. Under the current Secretary of State, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, Sir David has helped to implement one of the most substantial education reform programmes in recent times, building on his successful leadership of the Department during the years of the Labour government.
Sir David began his career as a primary teacher in his home city of Glasgow. He later became a headteacher in Essex, Director of Education in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne and Chief Executive of Bedfordshire County Council. Sir David also spent a year as a Harkness Fellow in Atlanta, Georgia.
Sir David said: "The University of Reading has a tremendous reputation both nationally and internationally for its ground-breaking and world-renowned research, outstanding teaching, high quality student experience and extensive business engagement. Crucially too, it is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, a place where staff and students alike can thrive.
"I was also attracted to Reading because it is an ambitious institution, playing an increasingly influential role in addressing many of the major issues of global concern, such as the prevention of heart disease, tackling the impacts of climate change and understanding the importance of food security. I look forward to helping the University expand its national and international profile and build on the substantive successes of recent years."
Professor Tony Downes will continue as Acting Vice-Chancellor until Sir David takes up his position in January 2012.