Coventry University announces Acting Vice-Chancellor

Coventry University has appointed an Acting Vice-Chancellor to take the reins from Professor Madeleine Atkins, who leaves to join the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) as Chief Executive in January.

John Latham, currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Business Development at the University, is set to occupy the interim role until a new Vice-Chancellor is appointed.

Mr Latham steps up into the position of Acting Vice-Chancellor at a time of impressive growth and progress at the University, which in the last six months has been ranked in the top 10 of UK universities for student satisfaction and become the ‘Modern University of the Year’ in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2014.

Over the past 30 years Mr Latham – a double graduate of Coventry University – has been instrumental in developing the institution’s enterprise and innovation credentials.

Most recently he played a key role in securing the creation of the University’s £32 million Engineering and Manufacturing Institute, in partnership with Unipart, which is set to bring the University’s innovative approach to teaching on to the frontline of industry to give students a ‘real world’ experience while they study.

Mr Latham has also been a crucial driving force behind the success of Coventry University Technology Park and its business incubation facilities, which was a significant factor in the institution being awarded the Times Higher Education ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ in 2011.

John Latham said:

I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead Coventry University through the next stages of its exciting journey of growth and improvement.

Some of the immediate challenges will be to ensure that the University upholds its impressive reputational standing, with a particular focus on maintaining our excellent performance in the league tables, the quality of our teaching and learning, and our strong financial sustainability. The University has enterprise and innovation running through its veins, and this will help us develop an ambitious but achievable forward plan.

Professor Madeleine Atkins said:

I would like to congratulate John on his appointment as Acting Vice-Chancellor. John has been a positive driving force for the University’s business approach over the last decade and has been instrumental in the development and success of many initiatives. These include the University’s Technology Park and more recently the University’s ground breaking collaboration with Unipart.

I am sure that under John’s leadership the University will continue to excel, offering not only a compelling experience for students, but also high quality research and an outstanding platform for business collaboration.