London Met appoints new Vice-Chancellor News

London Metropolitan University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Lynn Dobbs as its new Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive from October 2018.

Professor Dobbs, who is currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at the University of Roehampton, is a highly regarded academic leader with a strong track record of improving student outcomes. 

 

Professor Dobbs, said: “It is a huge privilege to be joining London Met at such an exciting time in its history. The University and all of its staff play an incredibly important role in widening access, driving forward social mobility and preparing students to support the labour market in one of the greatest cities in the world.

 

"The dramatic improvement in the number of graduates moving on to employment or further study over the last four years, under Professor Raftery’s leadership, is a significant achievement. I look forward to building on this success, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that London Met continues to give students the skills and opportunities that will transform their lives and careers, and that it is well positioned to play a significant economic, social and cultural role in the local community and wider city.”

A Professor of Public Policy, Lynn Dobbs' practice and research has involved working extensively in deprived communities across the UK and in Europe, often in partnership with external agencies to tackle social exclusion across all aspects of deprivation.

A significant strand of her work has focused on raising educational aspirations among school children and widening higher education participation among disadvantaged groups.

Commenting on Professor Dobbs’ appointment, Mark Anderson, Chair of London Met’s Board of Governors, said: “Lynn has an excellent track record of strong leadership and a commitment to improving the experience of students.

"Throughout the recruitment process Lynn demonstrated a strong commitment to the University’s social mobility mission and to ensuring our students achieve an excellent education that prepares them for the world of work.”

Mark Boansi, President-elect of London Met's Students' Union, said: "Professor Dobbs will make a great addition to the London Met community. She brings with her lots of knowledge and experience and her strong belief in encouraging people from less privileged backgrounds to study fits in so well with London Met's mission.

"I'd like to thank the University for involving us and our students so much in the selection process. The team at London Met's SU is looking forward to working closely with Professor Dobbs on our shared mission to improve the lives of our students."

Under the leadership of current Vice-Chancellor Professor John Raftery, London Met’s NSS score has increased by 8%, its graduate employment by 10% (to 95.1%) and the number of graduates in highly skilled jobs by over 26% (to 76.1%), overtaking 45 other universities. In addition, Professor Raftery has led the institution to a much stronger financial position and brought costs under control with no borrowings and healthy cash reserves now available for investment.

The recently completed £7.8 million refurbishment of the Roding building on the Holloway campus is the latest phase in the University’s ongoing campus regeneration and improvement process.

Professor Raftery said: “I am delighted that Professor Dobbs is to serve as leader of this great University. Lynn Dobbs has a clear passion for higher education and the positive social impact it has on individuals and society at large.

“In addition to her expertise in social inclusion and urban regeneration she brings a track record of achievement in improving the outcomes for university students. She will lead an institution deeply committed to transforming lives through excellent higher education, meeting the human capital needs of its time. I could not be more pleased for London Met and I wish Professor Dobbs the very best in her tenure as Vice-Chancellor."

Professor Dobbs will join current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Raftery, at London Met for a handover period from 24 September before formally taking over as Vice-Chancellor on Monday 8 October 2018.