Our new VC is Professor Stuart Corbridge

Professor Stuart Corbridge will be the new Vice-Chancellor and Warden of Durham University.

The appointment of the London School of Economics professor was announced on Friday

After the retirement of Professor Christopher Higgins late last year, a lengthy search for his replacement began. The selection process for the Vice-Chancellor has been unusual as it is the first time staff and students have been able to play an active role in deciding who shall lead the university.

Following consultations for academic and support staff in September and early October, students were invited at the start of Michaelmas term to share their views on “what characteristics students would find valuable in a VC.”

Hope he’s this sexy in person

In an email announcing the appointment the Chair of the University Council, Robert Gillespie, thanked students for their role in proceedings.

He said: “This is the first time that students and staff have been involved in shaping the job description and person specification for the role of Vice-Chancellor and I would like to thank you all for your contribution to the process.

“In particular, I would like to thank Durham Students’ Union President Dan Slavin for his extensive contribution to the recruitment process which was highly valued and to Millie Tanner, the incoming president, who engaged in the pre-interview discussion groups along with Dan.”

Professor Corbridge, the current Deputy Director and Provost at the London School of Economics, was selected from a substantial pool of applicants.

According to details shared with students about the selection process, seventeen of the forty-seven applications received by early December had been considered suitable. This number was further slashed in February to a shortlist of five, including two women, before the final appointment was made.

In the email to students, Robert Gillepsie also issued a warm welcome to Professor Corbridge.

He said: “I am sure that you will join me in welcoming Professor Stuart Corbridge as our new Vice-Chancellor and look forward to an exciting and challenging new phase for Durham University.”

This “exciting and challenging new pha”‘ will begin on September 1st, when Professor Corbridge will take up his new role of Vice-Chancellor.