London: The UK's oldest Oxford University has
nominated its first-ever female vice-chancellor, nearly 800 years after the
role was created.
Professor Louise Richardson, currently the principal and
vice-chancellor of the University of St Andrews, will be appointed by the
university's legislative body known as 'Congregation' to start her new role by
January 2016.d
"Oxford is one of the world's great universities. I feel
enormously privileged to be given the opportunity to lead this remarkable
institution during an exciting time for higher education," the 56-year-old
academic told the local Oxford Times newspaper.
"I am very much looking forward to working with talented,
experienced and dedicated colleagues to advance Oxford's pre-eminent global
position in research, scholarship and teaching," she said. Oxford
currently has 11 female heads of house.
"The panel was deeply impressed by Professor Richardson's
strong commitment to the educational and scholarly values which Oxford holds
dear.
"Her distinguished record both as an educational leader and
as an outstanding scholar provides an excellent basis for her to lead Oxford in
the coming years," University Chancellor Lord Patten of Barnes said.
Prof Richardson's appointment will make her Oxford's first
female holder of the post since the first leader was appointed nearly eight
centuries ago in 1230.
Known for her work on terrorism and security studies, she is due
to take over from Oxford's current vice-chancellor Professor Andrew Hamilton.
//copy// PTI