Middlesex University announces its new Vice-Chancellor

Professor Shân Wareing will join Middlesex from the University of Northampton where she is Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Professor Shân Wareing has been appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University. She will join on 15 July 2024 from the University of Northampton where she is Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Wareing has a strong track record of over 20 years’ leadership experience in higher education. She previously held the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University of Northampton, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience at London South Bank University and Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching at Buckingham New University.

Shân was selected for the role following a rigorous and collaborative process including assessments and interview with a panel of independent governors as well as engagement sessions with staff, students and leadership.

Commenting on the appointment, Chair of the Middlesex Board of Governors, Rebecca Lawrence, said:

"I am delighted to welcome Shân. She will bring a combination of insight, leadership credentials, aspiration, motivation and experience, mindful of the University’s unique history, the importance of its accelerated change programme and its future potential. Already she has shown a clear vision and plan, backed by evidence and optimism, of what she and colleagues would do to lead successfully and build Middlesex’s future.”

"I was drawn by Middlesex University’s reputation as a vibrant and inclusive institution with a strong track record of innovation in applied and work-based learning, and for an impressively supportive student experience." Professor Shân Wareing

Professor Wareing added:

“I was drawn by Middlesex University’s reputation as a vibrant and inclusive institution with a strong track record of innovation in applied and work-based learning, and for an impressively supportive student experience. I welcome the opportunity to lead a university which makes a fundamental contribution to the vibrant and exciting North London community, and to work with external stakeholders, including local businesses, community groups and government, to harness the benefits of strong collaborative partnerships for students and for wider society.

"I bring to the role a love of education and learning, a passion for social justice, enjoyment at building and working with successful and highly effective teams of staff and students, and a commitment to serving the region.

"I know that the mission of Middlesex will thrive and continue to make its important contributions to people’s life chances, in London, across the UK and globally, and I am excited to get started working with staff and students, with the University Board and external partners, to shape and realise that future.”

Professor Wareing is Chair of Unite Foundation, a charity supporting care leavers and estranged students. She sits on the Jisc Senior Education and Student Experience Group and is Chair of Advance HE’s Strategic Advisory Group for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Leadership and Management. Shân is a National Teaching Fellow, as well as a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

photo credit: Helen Jones