Bournemouth head takes the reins at City

The head of Bournemouth University has been appointed the next vice-chancellor of City University London.

Paul Curran will take up the post before the new academic year.

Professor Curran has been vice-chancellor of Bournemouth since 2005 and was previously deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton.

Alan Frost, the chair of Bournemouth’s board, said: “During his tenure as vice-chancellor, Paul has brought about dramatic change and success. His leadership has been pivotal in raising the profile of the university nationally and internationally.”

A University of Sheffield graduate, Professor Curran has a PhD and DSc from the University of Bristol in satellite remote sensing and an MBA from Southampton.

He was recently awarded the Royal Geographical Society’s Patron’s Medal and was appointed president of the Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society.

Professor Curran said the City appointment, announced today, was “a unique privilege”.

“I am delighted to be joining an academically strong and distinctive university that has the enviable advantage of being an integral part of a world city.

“It offers me the opportunity to work closely with many highly talented staff and students and lead City as it takes its place among the world’s leading professional universities.”

Malcolm Gillies, City’s previous head, resigned in July 2009 after less than two years in the post after disagreements with the institution’s council over governance.

Professor Gillies became vice-chancellor of London Metropolitan University in January.

rebecca.attwood@tsleducation.com