Newman University College Appoints New Principal
The Governors of Newman University College Birmingham have today announced the appointment of Professor Peter Lutzeier as Principal, with effect from 1 January 2010.
Professor Lutzeier replaces Pamela Taylor, who retires in December following more than 11 years’ service to the Bartley Green-based higher education institution.
During her time at the helm, Pamela has overseen a number of key developments. These include the institution’s evolution to University College status, which allows it to award its own degrees; expansion in humanities, social sciences and psychology degrees; significant growth in student numbers, up 112% between 2000 and 2008; and the strengthening of its relationships with the public and third sectors through the introduction of foundation degrees and training.
In his new role, Professor Lutzeier will build on the strong foundations put in place under Pamela’s stewardship, developing the University College’s degree course offering while working closely with colleagues across the region’s public and private sectors to ensure students are fully equipped to meet the changing demands of the employment marketplace.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Lutzeier said: “I am touched and humbled by the trust and confidence which the Governors have shown in me. In serving as the new Principal I am very keen to build on the considerable strengths and achievements under the leadership of Pamela Taylor and look forward to working with all staff at Newman University College towards the ultimate vision of becoming a student-centred university, firmly anchored in the local community and providing a formative education framed by the Catholic ethos.”
Philip Rogerson, Vice Chair of Governors at the University College, added: “The Governors feel particularly blessed, not only to have had the opportunity of working with Pamela Taylor over the last few years, but now to welcome a new Principal with extensive leadership experience, outstanding academic and research credentials and an international profile.”
Professor Lutzeier joins Newman University College from the University of Hull where he was Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching). Born and educated in Germany, after his first degree in Mathematics and a Dr.phil. in Linguistics at the University of Stuttgart, he obtained a Rhodes Scholarship to study at the University of Oxford, became a lecturer at the Free University of Berlin and obtained his Dr.phil.habil. there. A prestigious Heisenberg Fellowship allowed him to research at the University of California, San Diego. In 1989, he became Professor of German Linguistics at Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich before moving in 1995 to become the Chair of German at the University of Surrey.
Professor Lutzeier has a particular interest in the student experience in Higher Education, making him an appropriate choice for Newman University College where the emphasis is placed on assisting each individual student to reach their full potential.