Professor Wendy Robinson will be taking up Lancaster University’s most senior education leadership role, joining as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education on 1 October 2021.

Wendy is currently Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the College of Social Sciences and International Studies at the University of Exeter.

She joined the University of Exeter in 2006 as a Professor of Education, and held positions including Head of the Graduate School of Education, Associate Dean (Education) for the College of Social Sciences and International Studies and Academic Dean for Students. Wendy also led on important developments within the University, including serving on University Council, leading Exeter’s strategic review of postgraduate taught programmes, leading the Exeter Effective Learning Analytics Project, chairing the University Race Equality Group and Widening Participation Operations Board.

Lancaster University’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Andy Schofield said: “We warmly welcome Professor Wendy Robinson to our University community. I am sure we will benefit immensely from her expertise and experience in the delivery of a high quality and enriching academic offer for all students and ensuring that every student’s academic journey at Lancaster will continue to be of the highest standard.”

Wendy achieved First Class Honours from the University of Cambridge, a Masters with Distinction from the University of London and then a PhD in the History of Education, again from Cambridge, before building her academic career at the Universities of Cambridge and Warwick. Wendy’s academic specialism is in the history of the development of the teaching profession, where her work has been influential around the world.

Professor Wendy Robinson said: “I am both delighted and honoured to be joining Lancaster University as the new PVC Education where I know there is a long track record of excellence in education and the highest quality student experience. I am excited to be part of such a forward looking, innovative and vibrant community at a time when never before have the opportunities to strengthen and enhance our University education been so powerful and so pressing. I very much look forward to working together with the community in shaping and driving continued educational excellence at Lancaster.”