Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has today (1 December) announced that Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire and MillionPlus’s current Treasurer, has been elected as the organisation’s new Chair.

Professor Baldwin’s election was ratified at an Extraordinary General Meeting of MillionPlus members today; his term as Chair will begin on 1 January. Professor Baldwin will succeed Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, Vice-Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, who is stepping down after three years in the role.

Prior to becoming VC at UCLan, Professor Baldwin spent five years as the Vice-Chancellor of Solent University in Southampton. Before this, he worked as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire. He joined the Senior Management Team in 2003 and held posts as Dean of Academic Development and Director for Cumbria.

Professor Baldwin is a member of Universities UK, a Non-Executive Director of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, Chair of Lancashire Innovation Board, Chair of the Maritime Skills Commission, Deputy Chair of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association, Chair of University Vocational Awards Council and member of Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.

During his remarks at the meeting, Professor Baldwin is expected to say:

“I am privileged to be elected Chair of MillionPlus at such a pivotal time, not just for higher education in Britain, but for the wider country as well. I pay tribute and thanks to my predecessor Professor Thirunamachandran, who has led the organisation with grace and skill through an immensely trying period. I hope to build on the good work of his and the membership in my time as Chair.

“As external and internal factors impact on university running costs and, crucially, the cost of living for our students and staff, and with important debates ongoing around, among others, quality assurance, international students, immigration and free speech, the voice of MillionPlus and modern universities has never been more needed.

“Those financial concerns, and the inevitable need for universities to deliver more with a constantly eroding unit of resource, make it harder for our institutions to help the Government meet its aims; on research; on skills; on levelling up and lifelong learning. With our focus on applied research, close links with local businesses and degree programmes informed and shaped by industry, modern universities are a vital part in all these agendas. In my time as Chair I will work hard to ensure that the vital MillionPlus voice is heard.”

In addition to Professor Baldwin as Chair, Professor Liz Bacon, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, was also elected to join Professor Amanda Broderick, University of East London; Professor Ian Campbell, University of Wolverhampton; Professor Charles Egbu, Leeds Trinity University; and Professor Lynn Dobbs, London Metropolitan University, on the MillionPlus Executive Committee.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
4. Modern universities: facts and stats 2022