Bournemouth University appoints professor Alison Honour as next vice-chancellor

Bournemouth University (BU) has announced the appointment of professor Alison Honour as its next vice-chancellor and chief executive officer. She is set to join BU in late August 2024, succeeding professor John Vinney.

Professor Honour currently serves as deputy vice-chancellor and provost at Canterbury Christ Church University.

In this role, she has played a key role in developing a new university strategy, implementing an academic framework and portfolio review system, and improving the student and staff experience. She has also collaborated with the students’ union to strengthen student voice and representation.

At Bournemouth University, she brings over 25 years of experience in senior academic leadership roles to the position.

Professor Honour was also recently recognised with the Women of the Decade Award by the Women’s Economic Forum and the G100, a group advocating for gender equality at the UN.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, professor Honour stated her belief in BU’s potential to be a leading innovative university in the UK. She highlighted her commitment to working collaboratively with staff and students to develop a shared vision for BU2032.

Speaking of her appointment, she said: “I am inspired and excited to lead Bournemouth University as a distinctive and ambitious institution which I believe to be exceptionally well positioned to be one of the most innovative universities in the UK. This is an exciting time to join BU as its next vice-chancellor and CEO with the opportunity to provide strategic direction and leadership in collaboration with staff and students, towards shaping a shared vision for BU2032. ”

Professor Honour praised the university’s strong sense of community and belonging and expressed her dedication to serving as a visible and active leader. She said to be looking forward to meeting with staff and students across various departments to better understand the university: “From the moment that I stepped on to the Bournemouth University campus, I knew that the university was a very special place with a strong sense of pride, community and belonging.

“I feel immensely proud and privileged to be leading such an outstanding university and I am deeply committed to serving this community as an active and visible leader both through internal and external engagement. I look forward with enthusiasm to meeting with students and staff across academic and professional services areas and learning more about BU through their experiences.”

The appointment was met with positive reactions from the university leadership. David Furniss, Chair of the Board of Bournemouth University, emphasised professor Honour’s exceptional qualifications and expressed confidence in her leadership abilities. He said: “I am delighted that professor Alison Honour will be the next vice-chancellor of Bournemouth University. Her appointment comes after an extensive search and selection process involving staff and students from across the university.

Speaking of the future, he said: “I have no doubt that professor Honour will be an exceptional leader for our University and I look forward to working with her as she leads us in the development of a new strategy and builds on the achievements to date, under the leadership of professor John Vinney.”

Chike Dike, President of the students union at Bournemouth University (SUBU), welcomed professor Honour and highlighted the student body’s excitement about working together to deliver an exceptional student experience. He said: “SUBU is looking forward to welcoming professor Alison Honour to our Bournemouth University family! We as full time officers were delighted to be involved in the appointment process and the whole SUBU team is excited to jointly deliver the premium student experience that will transform lives and set our students for future success.”

Featured image via Bournemouth University

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