Deputy Provost appointed for University Centre Shrewsbury

The development of University Centre Shrewsbury is moving further forward with the appointment of a Deputy Provost.

Paul Kirkbright has been chosen for this role on the leadership team for the University Centre.

As a senior manager in higher education, the Deputy Provost works closely with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester and, will support the Provost, once appointed, to oversee the establishment and progression of the institution.

The Deputy Provost, Vice-Chancellor and, at a later date the Provost, are at the forefront of the development of University Centre Shrewsbury, alongside partners at Shropshire Council.

The University Centre is being created by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council after research showed there was strong demand and interest in a new institution to serve the needs of the county, as well as a range of potential benefits.

Paul takes up the post after a wide-ranging career to date, including cutting his teeth working within a Training and Enterprise Council, which later merged with its local Chamber of Commerce, and working in Westminster as Executive Manager for Energywatch – the gas and electricity consumer watchdog – with the then Department for Trade and Industry.

He later held positions as the University of Chester’s Deputy Director for Business and Community Development, and Head of Corporate Policy and Special Projects, before heading up the new Riverside Innovation Centre and the critical part it is playing in taking forward the University’s innovation, enterprise and commercial activities.

His work was central in the University of Chester being shortlisted for the Entrepreneurial University of the Year accolade for two successive years in the Times Higher Education Awards.

Paul has also been working on the establishment of the new University for Shropshire for more than two years.

Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said:

“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Paul Kirkbright as University Centre Shrewsbury’s Deputy Provost.

“Paul brings a wealth of experience and skills, and has been at the heart of the achievements made to date in establishing University Centre Shrewsbury. As Deputy Provost he will build on this already substantial contribution, by playing a significant leading role in the strategic and operational development and management of University Centre Shrewsbury, to ensure excellence is secured in all of its aspects.”

Councillor Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council added:

“This is great news, and is much deserved. I congratulate Paul and wish him well in his new role.”

Paul added:

“I am honoured to be appointed as Deputy Provost for University Centre Shrewsbury. I am looking forward to the continuing work with colleagues across Shropshire, Chester and beyond to develop a distinctive institution, focused on high-quality teaching and research, fostering entrepreneurship, contributing to the community and advancements both nationally and internationally.”

For further information on University Centre Shrewsbury, go to www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk, email enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk or call 01244 511000.

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