After twelve years leading Regent’s University London, Professor Aldwyn Cooper, Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University, has announced his intention to retire and step down from his dual role in July 2020.
Professor Cooper has been the driving force at Regent’s since December 2006, when he took up the role of Principal and CEO of Regent’s College. Over the past 12 years, Professor Cooper has led the institution through a period of unprecedented changes and significant challenges, including the granting of Taught Degree Awarding Powers in June 2012, the approval of University status in March 2013, and subsequent rebranding of Regent’s College as Regent’s University London.
His work continues to make an immeasurable contribution towards the sustained growth and ever-increasing public profile of Regent’s, now widely recognised as a provider of high quality education with an exceptional and high achieving alumni base.
Dr Diana Walford CBE, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: 'Professor Cooper has been in post since 2006 and has brilliantly led what was then Regent's College to gain its own Taught Degree Awarding Powers and University Title, and membership of Universities UK. It is typical of Professor Cooper's leadership style that he has given the University such ample notice of his retirement. The Board will now start to plan the recruitment of his successor, very much guided by best practice in the university sector.'
Professor Cooper said of the announcement of his intention to retire: 'Since December 2006 I have had the privilege and pleasure of holding the role of Chief Executive and Principal and now Vice Chancellor of then, Regent’s College, and currently Regent’s University London.
'The last twelve years have been challenging but also exciting and rewarding. I have very much enjoyed working at such a cosmopolitan institution with excellent students, staff, trustees and international partners. As a charity, Regent’s has an established set of values that I believe fully to be needed by those who become leaders in this increasingly turbulent world.
'As a team, we have achieved a great deal in the last decade. The government has identified us as an exemplar of what can be achieved by a private, not for profit, self-funding institution. Research at Regent’s has increased and will increase further. We are a very special and different higher education institution and should remain so.
'My time at Regent’s has been the high point in my career. However, there comes a time when one must step down and create the opportunity for a new Vice Chancellor to take the University to the next stage. Therefore, I will step down on July 31, 2020.
'I very much look forward to the progress we will continue to make over the coming two years, and will always remain immensely proud of and grateful for my time at Regent’s.'
Over the next two years, Professor Cooper will continue representing the University, lobbying both the government and the regulatory bodies on behalf of the institution’s special interests, leading the staff, further strengthening links with alumni and partner organisations, and continuing to build the Regent’s brand.
An announcement regarding Professor Cooper’s successor will be made in due course.
