LJMU "reflects the spirit and generosity of Liverpool" - new VC

Liverpool John Moores University has a new leader at the helm, sport scientist Ian Campbell.

Professor Campbell, who is originally from the North West, and started his academic career in the region, brings a wealth of experience to the role and described LJMU as being "in excellent shape" and "ready to take its relationship with the Liverpool City Region to the next level.”

As Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Ian will lead an ‘academically-strong’ university of 25,000 students and staff, and one which he describes as ‘thoroughly engaged with its communities’.

He said: “I am honoured to be at LJMU. The university vision and mission speak to me personally and I am a passionate advocate for the student experience, research and community engagement.

“This is clearly a committed and upbeat university which reflects the spirit and generosity of the city and I am delighted to get started on shaping the university’s next chapter."

Partnership working

Professor Campbell had six successful years at Hertfordshire where he was responsible for the development of strategy and all academic related areas. Prior to this as Pro Vice-Chancellor at Brunel University he helped develop to the student experience and external relations.

At LJMU, his task will be to build on strong partnerships with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, industry, the healthcare sector, the profesisons, sports clubs and other key social and cultural institutions.

LJMU identifies as a university ‘of and for the city-region of Liverpool’ and contributed more than £517m to the North West economy in 2016-17, according to an impact report by RSM.

After attending the Mayor of Liverpool’s Stakeholder Event at the Cunard Building, Professor Campbell added: “It’s nice to start putting names to faces and learning about how the city works. 

“My focus will now be on how we can collaborate further for the benefit of our partners and our students. More than 60% of our graduates employed locally are in healthcare, education and public services, such as the police and over 1,000 nurses each year are trained at LJMU.

Job creation and community

“Looking ahead, projects such as the Low Carbon Eco-Innovatory, our Maritime Hub and the Knowledge Quarter will have an important impact on new job creation and regional competitiveness.

“Equally, through our outreach and community engagement, we continue to remove barriers around higher education, encourage social responsibility and produce graduates who are interested and eager members of society.”