University News Last updated 20 December 2012
Professor Cliff Allan has taken up the role of Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University – marking a new chapter in the University’s ambitious development.
Professor Allan arrives from Sheffield Hallam University, where he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and joins Birmingham City University as the organisation looks to open a new state-of-the-art city centre campus and pioneers a learning experience with students as active partners.
Professor Allan – who has a national profile from his time as Deputy Chief Executive of the Higher Education Academy – said he was attracted to Birmingham City University because he believes it is well placed to power ahead and adopt a leadership role in the fast-changing university sector.
“Birmingham City University is in an excellent position both academically and financially - which provides a very strong foundation for us to construct a strong and distinctive position for the University to thrive in this changing environment,” said Professor Allan.
“One of the things that particularly attracted me to this role was the University’s very strong commitment to student engagement and the notion of students being partners in academic endeavour.
“I don’t see students as customers – I see them as partners, and the existing approach here reinforces that view. Students are now investing a lot in their higher education and we have to do everything we can to ensure their success in graduating and moving on to maximum success in life.”
Professor Allan said Birmingham City University’s ambitious regional leadership, as demonstrated by its £125 million investment to create a new city centre campus at Eastside, set an example to the sector as a whole.
“I was attracted by the strong connection that the University has with Birmingham and the region,” added Professor Allan.
“Our commitment to positioning the University in the heart of Birmingham is going to be an important move and will help the University deliver its mission to all parts and sectors of the city - and beyond.
“Not many universities have the opportunity for a significant relocation of this kind. It presents many new opportunities for how we position ourselves, and how we build on our strengths.”
Professor Allan succeeds Professor David Tidmarsh, who retired as Birmingham City University’s Vice-Chancellor in November 2012 after serving in this leadership role for five years. Prior to this he worked at the University as the Dean of Engineering and as Pro-Vice-Chancellor during the 1990s. He leaves the University in a position of strength laying the foundations for its future development.
Professor Allan brings a wealth of experience to Birmingham City University. At Sheffield Hallam, Professor Allan was responsible for the development of the University’s corporate strategy, academic portfolio and international strategy, overseeing the management of HR, Marketing, Student and Learning Services, and Facilities and Estates.
“Birmingham City University embodies the virtues of the type of university I’ve always had a very strong personal interest in – a commitment to transforming people’s lives and creating educational opportunity for those who can benefit, a very strong emphasis on professional formation and a focus on creative practice.”