Newcastle University appoints new Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education

Published on: 18 January 2021

Professor Tom Ward, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Education at the University of Leeds has been appointed as the new Pro-Vice-Chancellor Education at Newcastle University.

A professor of mathematics, Professor Ward brings with him a wealth of experience having led the education strategy at three leading UK universities – Leeds, Durham, and UEA. He is committed to extending the life-changing opportunity of higher education to greater numbers of less advantaged young people.

Educated in Swaziland and at the University of Warwick, he is a mathematician specialising in ergodic theory and number theory.

Professor Ward said:

“My approach has always involved ensuring that academic and professional colleagues and student representatives feel engaged, respected, and listened to while ensuring that the well-being of students and the integrity and quality of all that a university does is protected.

“By working collaboratively and listening, we can improve the quality of teaching and wider experience we provide, and remove the barriers which still exist for less advantaged applicants.

“I look forward to joining Newcastle University and contributing to the fantastic work it does for students and for the city and region.”

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President, Newcastle University said:

“I am delighted we have appointed someone with Professor Ward’s level of experience and strong track record of working with the student body. This has become increasingly important as colleagues and students work closely together to overcome the various challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Professor Ward‘s appointment follows the announcement last year that Professor Suzanne Cholerton, who has been the University’s PVC-E for the past 10 years, will retire at the end of March.

He will take up his position in May.