The University of Buckingham has announced that Lynette Ryals will be its new vice-chancellor, after the acrimonious departure of its former leader.

Ryals, who joins from Cranfield University, where she has spent the past 25 years, will begin her role at the start of the next academic year. She will replace David Cole, who has served as interim vice-chancellor since January. 

Cole stepped in after the previous vice-chancellor, James Tooley, was suspended from his role in October 2024 over accusations made by his ex-wife.

Tooley was later reinstated in January 2025 after an investigation cleared him of “a number of serious allegations” but was then prevented from standing for a further term as vice-chancellor. 

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Ryals is currently deputy-vice-chancellor for the Faculty of Business and Management at Cranfield, which is in the process of merging with King’s College London, and serves on the university’s executive board, having previously been a professor and head of department at the institution. 

She becomes Buckingham’s first female vice-chancellor in its 50th anniversary year, in which has already announced that it will offer discounted fees for its accelerated degrees.

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The university said Ryals will build on Buckingham’s reputation for academic quality, as well as working closely with staff, alumni and partners to expand opportunities for students. 

Ryals called it a “great honour” to lead Buckingham, the UK’s oldest private university, and said she was “excited about the opportunities” ahead.

“The university’s location in a vibrant town close to the centre of the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor means that it can play a pivotal role in supporting growth and skills across the region. The staff, the students and the campus environment at The University of Buckingham are truly impressive.

“Together, we will build on the university’s proud heritage of education innovation and excellent student experience, augmenting those strengths with the possibilities offered by new technologies in learning and teaching to forge an international reputation for an exceptional higher education experience and outstanding student outcomes.” 

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Mark St John Qualter, chair of council at Buckingham, said he was “delighted” about the appointment. 

“Professor Ryals brings a wealth of experience from across higher education, combining outstanding academic credentials with a proven track record of leadership, innovation and partnership. Her vision, energy and commitment to excellence make her exceptionally well placed to lead the university into its next phase of development.”

juliette.rowsell@timeshighereducation.com