Vice-Chancellor to step down from 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ
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Professor Frances Corner OBE is stepping down as Vice-Chancellor of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ.
Professor Corner’s term leading the University finishes at the end of academic year 2025/26, having joined 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ in August 2019.
Professor Corner is the first woman to lead 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ, first as Warden and then Vice-Chancellor as 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ gained University status after being granted a supplemental Charter in January 2025.
The announcement was made on Tuesday 16 September in an email to all staff. Professor Corner said in the message: “51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ is a truly special place, and it has been a privilege and huge source of personal pride to have been the first woman to lead the institution.
"I am thankful for the important projects I’ve been part of alongside talented and dedicated colleagues – from the establishment of the Migrant Futures Institute and our endowment, to the Equity Awards and Civic University Agreement – as well as our ongoing commitment to the arts, humanities and social sciences at a time when these vital subjects remain under threat and undervalued by many."
The announcement comes as 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ prepares to celebrate 120 years since it opened its doors to higher education students in autumn 1905.
51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ’ Council, the University’s governing body, has begun the process to appoint Professor Corner’s successor. As with previous senior recruitment, there will be engagement with the 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ student and staff unions and the broader student and staff communities.
Chair of 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ’ Council Tom Sleigh said: “Our thanks go to Professor Corner who has shown bold leadership during difficult times for universities – from the pandemic to the ongoing financial challenges facing our sector – while always making the case for creative and critical education.
“It’s fitting that over the next year we will be celebrating the heritage and achievements of our unique university and continuing to build for our next chapter, as we look for an individual with passion, leadership and empathy to take 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ forward.â€