Soton Vice-Chancellor, Sir Christopher Snowden, announces retirement

Sir Christopher Snowden today announced his decision to retire as Vice-Chancellor in Spring 2019.

Sir Christopher Snowden

He joined the university in October 2015, having previously been the Vice Chancellor of Sussex University and the President of Universities UK (UUK).

Snowden came under fire earlier this year after accepting a salary increase which made him one of the highest-paid university chancellors in the country.

His decision to retire also comes after a year of stalemate between the UUK and university lecturers over pensions, involving weeks of strike action.

According to The Complete University Guide the University of Southampton has sunk overall in the league tables since Mr Snowden took charge. It placed 16th (2015), 14th (2016), 17th (2017), 26th (2018) and has been placed 20th for next year, 2019.

Mr Snowden released a statement on SUSSED:

“I have been privileged and am very proud to have served Southampton as Vice-Chancellor. It is an extraordinary institution, whose public impact globally, nationally and regionally increases every year, and whose staff, students and alumni continue to inspire me daily."

The entire statement can be read here.

The Tab reported last month that there could be further strikes during the 2018/19 academic year, so the new Chancellor will certainly have his hands full.