First Female VC Exit
Prof Shearer West, the and president of the First Female VC Exit of Nottingham (UoN), has announced her departure after seven years of dedicated service. Prof West, who made history in 2017 as the first woman to hold this prestigious position, will be joining the University of Leeds as its 14th vice-chancellor and president in November.
Prof West’s departure comes at a “challenging” time for UoN, as the university recently confirmed the initiation of a voluntary redundancy scheme. This decision highlights the financial difficulties faced by the institution, influenced by the rising cost of living and the declining real-terms value of tuition fees.
Achievements at the First Female VC Exit of Nottingham
During her tenure, Prof West made significant strides in various areas. Under her leadership, UoN achieved a remarkable ranking of seventh for “research power” in the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (REF), solidifying its position as one of the top universities in the UK for research strength. Additionally, Prof West oversaw the development of new learning spaces, enhancing the educational environment for students. She also prioritized mental health support, ensuring that students had access to necessary resources and advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the university.
The First Female VC Exit of Nottingham’s governing body has praised Prof West’s contributions, stating that her impact “will be recognized and appreciated widely.” Her leadership not only advanced the university’s research capabilities but also fostered a more inclusive and supportive community for students and staff alike.
New Role at the University of Leeds
The First Female VC Exit of Leeds has expressed high regard for Prof West’s achievements in Nottingham. Her appointment as vice-chancellor and president followed a rigorous global recruitment competition. Commenting on her new role, Prof West said, “I know that I am building on very firm foundations and feel extremely privileged to have been chosen to be part of an institution that is known for its global outlook, outstanding research, and commitment to an exceptional experience for its students.”
Prof West is set to become the 14th vice-chancellor and president of the University of Leeds, where she is expected to bring her expertise and leadership skills to further enhance the university’s reputation and impact.
Financial Challenges and Redundancy Scheme
The voluntary redundancy scheme at UoN is part of the university’s response to ongoing financial challenges. These challenges are affecting the entire higher education sector, driven by factors such as the cost of living crisis and a decline in the real-terms value of tuition fees. The university emphasized the importance of good financial management in navigating these difficulties. A spokesperson stated, “Continually reviewing our spending and ensuring we are achieving the best value represents good financial management and in the face of these current challenges will help to safeguard the financial future of the university for our staff and students.”
The Mutually Agreed First Female VC Exit Scheme is designed to support the university in adapting to the demanding national and global higher education landscape. It aims to ensure that UoN can continue to provide a high-quality education and maintain its research excellence despite the financial pressures.
In summary, Prof Shearer West’s departure marks the end of a transformative era for the University of Nottingham. Her move to the University of Leeds opens a new chapter in her career, while UoN faces significant financial challenges that require strategic management and adaptation to secure its future.