Chris Husbands is to become the new vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University.

Professor Husbands, who is currently director of the UCL Institute of Education, will take over at Sheffield Hallam in January 2016, when Philip Jones retires.

Professor Husbands has been at the IoE for eight years, where he oversaw the merger with University College London. In an article written jointly with UCL provost Sir Michael Arthur, he said that university reputations “are now made (and lost) on a global scale”.

He has previously been director of the Institute of Education at the University of Warwick; professor of research in education and dean of the School of Education and Lifelong Learning at the University of East Anglia; and director of the National Evaluation of Children’s Trusts for the Department for Education and Skills.

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He holds a degree in history and doctorate in geography from the University of Cambridge.

Geoff Dawson, chair of the board of governors at Sheffield Hallam, said: “Professor Husbands’…excellent experience of academic and institutional leadership will help us shape a strong future for Sheffield Hallam and all of those who benefit from our work.”

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He also offered his “continued gratitude and support” to Professor Jones. “His vision and dedication over the past eight years have delivered strong institutional performances in research, teaching, student recruitment and satisfaction – achievements we can be rightly proud of.”

Professor Husbands said that he was “delighted” with his new role. “I look forward to working with governors, staff and students across the university, as well as partners across the region, to build on the solid foundations which have been laid and to realise its potential for the future.”