Professor Richard Davies has started work as Plymouth University’s new Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Richard Davies’ opening messages to the university’s students and staff saw him speak about his pride in taking on the new role, along with the excitement of moving to the city, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead:
“Let me start by saying what a privilege it is to join the University of Plymouth – a university that values inclusivity and excellence in equal measure, in an incredible city that has so much to offer. Together, our University and our city have extraordinary potential.
READ MORE PLYMOUTH UNIVERSITY NEWS
“I am optimistic about the future, and I will be a tireless champion for the University of Plymouth, as a broad-based university, open to all who can benefit from our educational offer.
“As a team, we need to be relentless at putting our students first in all that we do and continue to strive for an exceptional student experience.”
Ahead of taking over the role, Professor Richard Davies had already begun meeting colleagues and students, and his work beyond ‘day one’ includes engaging with key stakeholders and supporters of the University in Plymouth and further afield.
And he remains committed to delivering the university’s strategy in a challenging context where he feels ‘the value of a university education is in question in a way that it hasn’t been in my lifetime.’
“I left industry to work in universities because I believe in the power of higher education, the vital importance of academic freedom, and our role in developing minds that think outside the box.
Without universities who is going to reveal difficult truths, say unpopular things, and challenge orthodox thinking? Without us, who will find the solutions we all need? The University of Plymouth will continue to play a vital role.”
Richard added that he is looking forward to living in the area, getting to know everyone, and focusing on developing both education and research intensity to continue building Plymouth as a global-civic University.
He also praised the work of his predecessor, Professor Dame Judith Petts, who retired at the end of September and her team for their work in leading the university so successfully, including sector-leading work around environmental sustainability and widening access to higher education, along with managing finances and delivering significant new development projects.
And he feels the university is in a good place to face the difficulties facing higher education in the UK.
“Part of the reason for saying that with such confidence is that in every corner of the organisation, I have found nothing but warmth, kindness, enthusiasm, and excellence, so far.
“And for those I have already met, thank you for making me feel so welcome.”
