New Chair takes over at Yorkshire Universities

Yorkshire Universities has announced the appointment of Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor of York St John University, as Chair to the Board of Directors.

Established in 1987, Yorkshire Universities work on behalf of the region’s universities to promote higher education in Yorkshire nationally and internationally to politicians, students, business and investors.

Professor Fleming joined York St John University as Vice Chancellor in June 2010; he holds a first degree in Urban Land Economics, a Postgraduate Diploma, an MBA and a Doctorate of Business Administration. Professor Fleming is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and his specialist areas include student experience enhancement, learning and teaching, international collaboration, research, third-stream initiatives, and widening access and participation.

Commenting on his new role, Professor Fleming said: “The higher education institutions in Yorkshire make a vital contribution to the region and I’m looking forward to building on this with everyone who is involved with Yorkshire Universities.

“Working together, we aspire to develop even more highly skilled graduates, help drive the economy through partnerships that share knowledge and innovation and maximise the impact our sector has on raising aspirations and socio-economic wellbeing.”

Welcoming Professor Fleming to his new role, Professor Roger Lewis, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Universities, said: “David has already made a significant contribution to the work of Yorkshire Universities and I am delighted that he has taken on the role of chair.

“Higher education has a major role to play in building Yorkshire’s economic strength and in helping its communities - cities, towns and rural areas - to develop. Yorkshire Universities helps this important work by innovating, attracting funding, creating opportunities, exerting influence, and showcasing Yorkshire’s higher education achievements on behalf of its members.

“I look forward to working closely with David to develop our work at this time of rapid change and economic challenge within the sector.”

Yorkshire Universities represents eleven higher education institutions in Yorkshire: Bradford, Hull, Huddersfield, Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan, Trinity and All Saints University College, Leeds College of Music, Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam, York and York St. John.