University of Hertfordshire announces new Vice Chancellor

Following a rigorous and competitive recruitment process, the University of Hertfordshire has announced its appointed Professor Anthony Woodman as its next Vice Chancellor.

Currently Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at the University of West London (UWL), where he oversees an extensive remit that includes academic schools, enterprise and knowledge exchange, through to home and international student recruitment and the launch of the School of Medicine and Biosciences in 2024, Professor Woodman will commence his role at Herts from 1 September 2025.

He takes over from Professor Quintin McKellar CBE, who is retiring in August 2025 after 14 years in the post.

On joining the University of Hertfordshire as its new Vice Chancellor, Professor Woodman said:

“I am honoured and delighted to join the University of Hertfordshire, an institution renowned for empowering students, driving regional growth and making a global impact through its education, research, and innovation.

“The University's community of exceptional staff and students, who collaborate with local stakeholders to accelerate Hertfordshire’s growth while maintaining global relevance, provides an incredible platform for future progress. Milestones such as receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and the upcoming launch of the Hertfordshire Medical School in 2026 highlight its transformative societal impact.

“I am excited to be part of this journey, building on the outstanding contributions of Professor McKellar. My focus will be on enhancing the University’s reputation for delivering industry-partnered, high-quality education; pioneering innovation; and driving social mobility and economic growth both in Hertfordshire and beyond.”

Professor Woodman comes to Herts with an extensive and impressive background in academia and high-level strategic leadership. A Professor of Translation Medicine (a collaborative field that combines basic science and clinical research to develop new treatments and improve patient health) at Cranfield University until 2007, he went on to work as Chief Executive of ICRI Global Research, a private organisation providing support and training in clinical drug development in India, Singapore and the UK, before joining the University of West London in 2011.

His research discipline is molecular oncology and specifically the development and implementation of diagnostic and prognostic platforms informing care and management of cancer patients; research that has been undertaken in collaboration with a number of major pharmaceutical companies.

Professor Woodman is also a Trustee of Ruskin College, Oxford and represents UWL on the Borough of Ealing Local Strategic Partnership and the Ealing Adult Education Advisory Board, as well as West London Business.

Chair of the University of Hertfordshire Board, David Sproul, said:

“During the recruitment process, Professor Woodman evidenced his proven strategic ambition, transformative leadership and ability to deliver exceptional student outcomes while fostering an enterprise-driven culture and strong financial performance.

“The Board of Governors is confident that with his experience and skills he will build upon the University’s strong foundation, enabling us to seize future opportunities, navigate challenges, and elevate our profile regionally, nationally, and globally.”

Professor Woodman will be the University of Hertfordshire’s fourth Vice Chancellor since the institute was granted university status in 1992.