University’s vice chancellor to leave

Professor Mark Cleary will depart in June after nearly six years in the role.

During his time as vice chancellor, the higher education sector has undergone a series of major changes with significant cuts in funding and rising tuition fees.

This year Bradford was one of five institutions in the region to bring in top level of fees of £9,000-a-year.

The university has seen major investment in its estate with the opening of new student accommodation, which was ranked as the most sustainable building in the world, a new School of Health Studies building, and a refurbishment of the students’ union and library.

Bradford University said that Prof Cleary had “ensured that employability had been embedded into every course delivered at the university”.

The search for a successor will be launched by the chairman of the university’s council Paul Jagger.

He said: “Mark has been an excellent vice chancellor for the University of Bradford.

“He has been with us through very challenging times in the higher education sector and has led the institution in a very competitive environment.”

Prof Cleary said: “My decision has by no means been an easy one to make.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time at the university, the role has been both challenging and fulfilling in equal measure and I have had a great deal of pleasure working with both staff and students here at Bradford during that time.”