University News Last updated 02 December 2011
Professor David Tidmarsh has announced his intention to retire from his role as Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham City University in February 2013.
The early announcement has been made to provide ample opportunity for a successor to be recruited and take up the role with an effective hand-over.
Professor Tidmarsh will have spent 18 years working in different roles within the University at the point of his retirement, over six years of these as Vice-Chancellor.
Appointed as Vice-Chancellor in January 2007, he was instrumental in changing the name of the University from UCE Birmingham to reflect the institution’s pride in the city and create a strong new identity in a more competitive environment. In 2008/09, the University went on to receive the highest rise in UCAS applications in the UK and has experienced the greatest rise in applications of all Midlands’ universities between 2008 and 2010.
‘World class’ ranking
Under his leadership, the University has strengthened its research position in a number of focused subject areas. Nearly one-fifth of the total submission to the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise received a ‘world class’ ranking, more than any other post-1992 university, and three-quarters achieved ‘internationally recognised’ status.
The University has received national recognition for improvements to the student experience, winning the Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Student Support in 2010 for a pioneering scheme which partners students with academic staff to improve the learning and teaching experience. This has received widespread praise within the sector and has been championed by the Higher Education Academy as a model of best practice. Student satisfaction within the University, measured via the National Student Survey, has increased from 75% in 2008 to 80% in 2011.
However, what will probably be considered as his greatest legacy in years to come will be Professor Tidmarsh’s commitment to building a flagship £180 million City Centre Campus with industry-standard facilities and pioneering learning applications. Building of Phase 1, adjacent to Millennium Point, began in September 2011 and is due to open in 2013.
Professor Tidmarsh, who turns 60 in February 2013, said that it was with “considerable regret” that he had chosen to retire from the University and that he would continue to support the University after his departure.
Estate strategy for the next 50 years
“The University is now well positioned for the new environment it faces, with a strong brand, excellent demand for places, an estate strategy for the next 50 years and a committed and talented staff who have done so much to increase national recognition for our teaching and learning,” he explained.
“After my retirement, I shall continue to support the University and hope to take on other less demanding roles that may exist in the region, where my skills and expertise can be used.
“I’m confident my successor will take charge of a University that will be one of the most competitive and adaptive in the sector. But it is important to remember the next year will be one of the most challenging for the University – and the sector – and therefore I will be working as hard as ever to make sure we maintain our success.”
Successor to take the University forward
The Chairman of the Board of Governors, Alex Stephenson, said that Professor Tidmarsh would be greatly missed by both the Board and the University.
“He has been an inspirational Vice-Chancellor, conceiving and leading many projects and changes that have transformed the student experience and reputation of Birmingham City University. He will be much missed,” said Mr Stephenson.
“We wish him success in the future and will enjoy his continuing energies up to his retirement date, while we seek a successor to take the University forward and maintain the University on the course that Professor Tidmarsh has set.”