Million Plus

Following its Annual Meeting on 12 June 2019 MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has announced today (18 June) that Bill Rammell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, has been elected as Chair of MillionPlus from the 2019-20 academic year. Bill Rammell will succeed Professor Dave Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University, who has served as Chair since 2015.

Bill Rammell took office as Vice-Chancellor at Bedfordshire in 2012. Prior to this role he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth University, where he was responsible for the student experience and internationalisation. He was MP for Harlow from 1997 to 2010, serving as Minister of State for Further and Higher Education for three years (2005-2008) and later as Minister of State at the Foreign Office and Minister of State for the Armed Forces. 

Bill Rammell said:

“I am honoured to be elected Chair of MillionPlus at such a pivotal time, not just for the higher education sector of which we are so rightly proud but for Britain as a whole. I am excited to build on the work of Professor Dave Phoenix and others and offer him my thanks for his leadership over the last four years and for leaving the organisation in such a strong position.

“MillionPlus has never been afraid to stand out from the crowd when it comes to speaking out for the needs of students from all backgrounds and the long-term interests of our country and higher education. Ours is a distinctive voice in the higher education debate and at such a momentous time we must not forget the benefits that Britain’s world-leading modern universities bring to boosting innovation and productivity and serving communities in every region of Britain.

“With critical issues from Brexit and the role Britain should play in the world, to university fee and other changes proposed in the recent Augar Report, to international students and the urgent need for student visa reform, there is so much to tackle. Now more than ever, the MillionPlus voice must be heard.”

In addition to Bill Rammell as Chair, Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor of University of East London, was also elected to join the Treasurer, Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancellor of Solent University, Professor Peter John, Vice-Chancellor of the University of West London, Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University, Professor Liz Barnes, Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University and Professor Nigel Seaton, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Abertay University, on the MillionPlus Executive Committee.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
4. #ThinkModern: facts and stats