Honorary degree for former Vice-Chancellor

Monday, 17 December 2012

Professor Gordon Marshall

The former Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Gordon Marshall was given an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws at the Graduation ceremony on Friday 14 December.

Professor Marshall joined the University in January 2003, the same year that he received a CBE for his services to economic and social science. He was Vice-Chancellor of this University between 2003 and 2011 - a period during which its reputation as a leading research-intensive university grew significantly both at home and abroad. 

Professor Marshall said: "I always felt privileged to be involved in the graduation ceremonies during the nine years I was Vice-Chancellor and to share in the achievements of our students. It was even more of a privilege to be honoured by the University in this way myself.

"The occasion was very enjoyable. I would like to thank everyone involved in making it a very special day for me. I will always feel proud to be part of such an outstanding university, of which I will always be enormously fond."

Professor Marshall's time at the University was a hugely successful period of renewal. Many of the University's department grew to be at or near the top of the national research rankings and there was the introduction of the School of Pharmacy.

There was massive investment in the physical estate, with new buildings, refurbishment of old facilities and the replacement of nearly 2,000 hall of residence places as well as the Halls ‘out-sourcing' project and the capital investment and sharing of risk which that enabled.

Professor Marshall also oversaw the internationalisation initiative, with the creation of a specific Pro-Vice-Chancellor post to lead it and the development of the University of Reading Malaysia project as well as the merger with Henley Management College. During his time at the University, we were established in the top 200 - or top 1% - of universities across the world.