The University of Bath has announced the appointment of their next Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian H White, who’ll be returning to the city to take up the position early next April.
Following meetings of the Senate and Council held yesterday, Monday 3rd September, Professor Ian H White FREng has been appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath.
Professor White is currently van Eck Professor of Engineering and a Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cambridge, and Master of Jesus College.
He is actively involved in academic research as Head of the Centre of Photonic Systems in the Engineering Department at Cambridge University.
Other leadership positions he has held at Cambridge include Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Affairs and Head of the School of Technology.
He has a strong existing affinity with both Bath and the wider West of England region having been Professor of Physics at the University of Bath from 1990-96 and then Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Bristol.
Professor Ian White said: “It is a real privilege to be joining the University of Bath at such a key moment in its history, having recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“It is a university community I care deeply about, having worked here at an early and very significant stage in my academic career.
“The founding vision of Bath, that of providing a rigorous and relevant education to students, and serving society through world-class research, resonates profoundly with me.
“I firmly believe that Bath can build on its considerable success to date, maintaining quality and enhancing innovation.”
The University’s Chancellor, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, Chair of the Committee which oversaw the appointment process, said: “The Committee was impressed by Professor White’s passion, ideas, imagination, innovation and manner.
“We were struck with the way in which he analysed the needs of the University now and in the future, and how he applied his experiences from Bath, Bristol and Cambridge to create unique and relevant solutions.
“I would also like to pay tribute to members of the University community who have played such a crucial role in recruiting our next Vice-Chancellor, and all those who have taken part in the consultation process.”
Thomas Sheppard, Chair of Council, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Professor White as the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath.
“His exceptional academic record and demonstrable excellence across teaching, research, innovation and high-level university administration will be of great importance for the University in this very challenging time for the sector.
“I also believe that his values and collaborative leadership approach will make him the perfect candidate to work with the entire University community and its local, national and international stakeholders.”
Eve Alcock, President of the University of Bath Students’ Union and a member of the final interview panel added: “The recruitment process for our new Vice-Chancellor was transparent, inclusive and wide-ranging. Students and staff had input and representation throughout and so we had the chance hear about Ian White’s values and vision for the University.
“As a result, I am confident that Ian White is the right choice for Bath. I believe we can all look forward to an exciting and bright future for our University.”
Professor White will receive an annual salary of £266,000, with no bonus or incentivisation package offered. He will also not be provided with a car or chauffeur, and no arrangement will be made to fund a car for his use.
He will also be responsible for his own domestic accommodation, utilities and services while in his role.
Professor White is expected to stay in the post for five years, with a potential extension of up to a maximum of ten.
The new Vice-Chancellor will take up his position on 8th April 2019, ensuring a smooth transition from the current Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Bernie Morley.
