New Vice-Chancellor appointed at University of East Anglia amid concerns about job cuts
Professor David Maguire will take over the role vacated by Professor David Richardson last month
A new Vice-Chancellor has been appointed at the University of East Anglia, at a time when the Norwich-based institution faces financial difficulties and the possibility of redundancies.
Professor David Maguire, a former Vice-Chancellor at the University of Greenwich, will take on the role from May 22 this year.
He is currently Interim Principal at The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology and was a former Interim Vice-Chancellor at the University of Dundee and University of Sussex.
Prof. Maguire takes over at a difficult time, with the UEA reportedly millions of pounds in debt and facing a budget deficit of around ÂŁ30m for the coming year.
Staff have repeatedly warned of the risk of job cuts, although the UEA insist redundancies would be a 'last resort'.
He takes on the role vacated by Professor David Richardson last month.
Prof. Maguire said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to lead UEA through this period of change."
"UEA is a special institution and has much to be proud of as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. I hope to bring my experience, drive and energy to this great University and build on its excellent reputation for teaching, research and student experience.
“UEA’s values and ethos resonate very much with my own. I’m genuinely excited to work closely across the UEA community, with the talented staff and students, and with local, national and global partners, as together we put in place the foundations for the University’s future success.”
Dr Sally Howes OBE, Chair of UEA Council, said: “We are fortunate and excited to have attracted such an experienced Vice-Chancellor and leader to join us at UEA.
“David has immense strategic and financial planning expertise across the academic, public and private sectors with a track record of delivering success.
"He will lead us through a time of significant transformation and change as we work to secure our future financial sustainability.
“I am confident he will support our university community to continue to deliver outstanding and impactful research and education and drive success as a world-leading dual intensive University for generations of staff and students to come.”
Current Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Christine Bovis-Cnossen, will continue until Prof. Maguire joins in May.