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Vice-Chancellor Koen Lamberts to leave the University of York

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Posted on Tuesday 26 June 2018

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Koen Lamberts, will leave the University on 31 October 2018 to become the President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield.


Professor Koen Lamberts

Professor Lamberts joined the University in January 2014. During his time here, he has put in place a robust strategy that has improved the University's standing in research, extended our global network of partnerships, generated surpluses that have improved the University's financial sustainability, enhanced our connections to business and industry which have, in turn, had a materially positive impact on student employability outcomes. The recent award of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework is underpinned by the improvements we have made to teaching, the student experience and student employment outcomes.

Chair of Council pays tribute

The University Chair of Council, Gerard Lemos, paid tribute to Professor Lamberts. He said: "Koen has been an excellent Vice-Chancellor. Since his arrival in 2014, the University has achieved significant improvements in its performance in teaching and research. He has overseen significant investment in the student experience with a particular focus on improving employability outcomes for our students. Our success in these areas is due, in no small part, to his strategic leadership and the delivery of the University's Strategy ahead of schedule. I am sure that everyone in our community will join me in giving Koen their best wishes as he embarks on the next phase of his career."

Strong position

Professor Lamberts said, "I am proud to leave the University of York in a very strong position, and I am grateful to all our staff and students for the hard work that has allowed our University to flourish."

"Serving as Vice-Chancellor of the University of York has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my working life, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with colleagues here in York through the White Rose Network, the N8 and the Russell Group."

"I have valued enormously the collegial atmosphere here in York and the commitment that our staff and students give to creating a community dedicated to excellent teaching and research that benefits people and society. I want to sincerely thank everyone in the University community for their warm support throughout my time as Vice-Chancellor."

Mr Lemos will now lead the recruitment process for a new Vice-Chancellor.

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