Vice-Chancellor announces plans to retire from Wolverhampton University
Wolverhampton University’s vice-chancellor is to retire from his role after 10 years.
Professor Geoff Layer will retire at Easter and says he leaves the university in a strong position for the future.
During his time at Wolverhampton, Professor Layer has led the creation of the new £120m Springfield Campus, the creation of advanced engineering facilities at the Telford Innovation Campus and the transformation of healthcare facilities across the university’s campuses.
Professor Layer said: “It has been a privilege to be vice-chancellor of this university and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved over the last decade.
"By placing students at the heart of everything we do and transforming the life chances of our graduates, we have become renowned as the university of opportunity. We are a university of and for our region and this is really important in terms of our mission and values. Having launched our new strategic plan, Vision 2030, the timing feels right to step back as the university moves into a new phase.
“The university’s role within our region has never been stronger, and the recent recognition in the Knowledge Exchange Framework that we are in the top 10 per cent nationally for public and community engagement and the top 10 per cent for local growth and regeneration is clear indication of our position as a catalyst for improvement.
"There are many significant projects to mention over the last 10 years, including the transformation of our specialist health training facilities across our campuses, the creation of advanced engineering facilities, a new business school and the redevelopment of our social and learning spaces. The transformation of the derelict former Springfield brewery into a £120m construction super campus is a particular highlight.
“What makes Wolverhampton special though is its people – and I want to thank our students, staff, graduates and partners for their ideas, creativity and commitment over the last 10 years, but in particular during the last 15 months. We have all faced huge personal and professional challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, and I am grateful for the way our whole community responded and evolved.”
Ben Reid OBE, chairman of the university’s board of governors, said: “I would like to thank Geoff for his significant contribution to the University of Wolverhampton over the last decade. The university has gone from strength to strength during this time, and we would like to recognise his leadership and commitment to the institution and its values.
“Geoff will be leaving the university in a strong financial position and with a clear strategy for the future in Vision 2030. He will retire from the university at Easter 2022 to allow time for the appointment of his successor and transition.”
The Rt Hon Lord Paul of Marylebone, chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton, said: “I would like to thank Geoff for his dedication to the University of Wolverhampton during his time as vice-chancellor. I have been chancellor of the university for 21 years, and Geoff is the third vice-chancellor during this time. It has been a pleasure to work with Geoff and to watch the university grow and develop under his leadership.”
Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, said: "I pay tribute to the leadership Geoff Layer has given the University of Wolverhampton over the past ten years.
"The university is a hugely important platform for young people’s opportunities and in recent years has been developing an ever more crucial role in training people for key professions in the local NHS and in our schools.
"It is not just a higher education institution - it is also a key part of the local economy and Geoff Layer deserves a great deal of credit for developing its role in this way. I wish him the very best with whatever comes next.”
Prof Layer joined the university in August 2011 from the University of Bradford where he was pro vice-chancellor and then deputy vice-chancellor (academic).
