Professor Nic Beech begins role as Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor

In a Twitter post, Vice-Chancellor Professor Nic Beech said: "I’ve already been so impressed by how our community makes a real difference through education, research and how we engage with the world."

Professor Nic Beech will begin his role today as the new Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University.  He joins Middlesex from the University of Dundee where he was Vice-Principal.

During his first week, Professor Beech will be meeting Chancellor Dame Janet Ritterman, the Executive Team, students and staff.

In a post on Twitter, the new Vice-Chancellor spoke about his excitement the community of staff, academics and students at Middlesex University.

He wrote: "My first day at Middlesex is here.

"I can’t wait to meet lots of people and get started.

"I’ve already been so impressed by how our community makes a real difference through education, research and how we engage with the world."

Professor Beech,  who takes over from Interim Vice-Chancellor, James Kennedy, has extensive leadership experience in higher education.

He previously held the roles of Vice-Principal & Head, College of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Dundee and Vice Principal, Dean of Arts and Head of the School of Management at the University of St Andrews.

His research interests are in change management and leadership and the construction of identity in the music industry, health, financial services and creative industries.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, the British Academy of Management, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development , the Australia and New Zealand Academy of Management and the Academy of Social Sciences.

As Chair of BAM since 2013, he has taken the organisation into new areas of activity and outreach, through initiatives including a study of diversity in leadership in the FTSE 100 and the setting up of schemes to promote scholarly activity across borders.

Nic was selected for the role by a selection panel comprising independent governors, the student governor who is also the President of the Students’ Union, a staff governor and an external assessor.

Geraldine Proudler, Chair of the Board of Governors, said: 'Nic impressed the panel with his commitment to our mission and values, his outstanding track record of successful leadership in higher education and his collegial and engaging style.

"Nic’s tremendous breadth and depth of experience will be of huge benefit to Middlesex at what is both a challenging and exciting time for Higher Education in this country."