Coventry University’s Vice-Chancellor to be next HEFCE Chief Executive

The Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, Professor Madeleine Atkins CBE, has been appointed Chief Executive of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Professor Atkins, who joined the University as Vice-Chancellor in 2004, has presided over a period of outstanding progress for Coventry University, which has seen the institution climb over 100 places across all the major league tables in recent years to be, now, the number one modern university in the country.

Professor Atkins will continue in her role at the helm of the University until early in 2014, during which time she and the staff at the University will continue to ensure that students reap the benefits of the excellent learning experience offered at the institution, and that outstanding R&D continues to be prioritised for the benefit of the economy and our society.

Coventry University will begin its search for a successor for Professor Atkins over the next few months.

Professor Alan Richardson, chair of the Board of Governors of Coventry University, said:

“Professor Atkins has made an outstanding contribution to Coventry University over the last nine years. Her insight, innovation and drive have placed the University strongly in an increasingly competitive sector. She has successfully steered the institution through a remarkable period of positive change which has helped it to be recognised as a leader. At the same time we have created a most welcoming atmosphere for students and a great place for business engagement. We wish Professor Atkins all the best in her role at HEFCE.”

Professor Atkins will succeed Sir Alan Langlands as chief executive of HEFCE, who takes up the post of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leeds in the autum