Northumbria
University, Newcastle, has today announced the appointment of a new
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive.
Professor
Andy Long will take up his role as Northumbria University’s fifth
Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive on 1st August 2022, following an
extensive and competitive recruitment and selection process. With a wealth of
experience in academic leadership, Professor Long is currently Provost and
Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nottingham.
Northumbria’s
current Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Andrew Wathey CBE, will retire
on 17th May 2022, having led the University for the past 14 years. Deputy
Vice-Chancellor at Northumbria Professor Tom Lawson has been named as Acting
Vice-Chancellor for the intervening period.
Professor
Long has studied and worked at the University of Nottingham since 1990. Appointed
as Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 2018, he has held a wide range of
responsibilities, including delivery of the University’s new strategy, oversight
of planning and resources allocation, and the development of its new Castle
Meadow campus.
Prior
to his appointment as Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Nottingham, Professor
Long served as the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for its Faculty of Engineering, and
before that as Executive Dean and Associate Dean for Research. He also served
as Associate Dean to the Graduate School representing Engineering.
Professor
Long has a BSc in Applied Mathematics from the University of Warwick, an MSc in
Computer Integrated Engineering from Loughborough University, and a PhD in
Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham. He is a Chartered
Engineer and Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, of the Institution of
Mechanical Engineers and of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
Professor
Long is recognised internationally as a leading researcher for polymer
composite materials with applications in the aerospace, automotive and
renewable energy sectors. He has published extensively, received numerous
awards for his research and is the founding Director of the Engineering and
Physical Sciences Research Council Future Composites Manufacturing Hub, leading
collaborative research in this discipline across the UK.
Commenting
on his appointment, Professor Long said: “I am absolutely delighted to take up
the role of Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive and cannot wait to join
Northumbria’s community. It is clear
that the staff and students have a passion that I share for excellence in research,
teaching and learning and I hope to build on the achievements of Professor
Wathey over his many years in the role. I look forward to getting to know my
new colleagues and Northumbria’s students, as well as working and living in the
vibrant city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.”
Dr
Roberta Blackman-Woods, Chair of the Board of Governors at Northumbria, said: ‘I am incredibly excited to welcome Professor Long
into the Northumbria community following a highly competitive selection
process, where the standard was exceptionally high. Professor
Long’s clear strategic vision and wealth of experience in leadership in higher
education will be invaluable in taking this great University into its next
phase. His commitment, drive and enthusiasm for Northumbria will build on
the outstanding achievements of Professor Wathey and his team. I, and the
Board, look forward to working closely with Professor Long, and the University
Executive, to continue to deliver our ambitious plans for Northumbria University.
“I
would also like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Andrew Wathey for
his outstanding leadership during what has been a challenging time for the
sector, and for his personal contribution to the transformation of Northumbria
over the last 14 years.”
As
part of the selection process Professor Long was also able to meet and engage
with colleagues and students from across Northumbria, including members of the
Students’ Union.
Emma
Collier, Vice President for Sport at Northumbria Students’ Union, said: “It was a privilege to be involved in the
appointment process and to meet Professor Long. His commitment to the student
experience was made clear during our conversation and I, along with my
colleagues in the Student’s Union, look forward to working with him in the
future.”
