U21 is delighted to welcome Professor Shearer West, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, as the new Chair of the Network. Professor West takes over from Professor Eng Chye Tan of the National University of Singapore, who took up the position in 2021.
Professor West is a Professor of Art History and has held several significant leadership roles in universities and higher education. In 2021, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Years Honours List of 2021 for her services to education.
Professor West noted:
“It is a privilege to take up the role of Chair of the Universitas 21 Network. It is an honour to lead such a distinguished group of universities, and I pledge to do everything in my power to continue to enhance the reputation of our organisation and further our collective mission.
“Universitas 21 is a highly regarded network of research-intensive universities, and our member institutions represent the very best in higher education from around the world. We are committed to working together to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet. By harnessing our collective expertise and resources, we can make a real difference to the challenges that face our societies today.
“In an era of rapid change and global uncertainty, the importance of this mission has never been more apparent. Climate change, pandemics, social inequality, the rapid development of artificial intelligence and political polarization are just a few of the complex and interconnected challenges we are facing. These problems cannot be tackled by any one nation or institution alone but require a global response that draws on the full range of human knowledge and expertise.”
Professor Jenny Dixon, Provost of U21, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Professor West into the role of Chair. As a founding member of the U21 network, the University of Nottingham has long embraced international collaboration, and Professor West embodies this ethos."
"U21 is committed to focusing our efforts on some of the most urgent issues facing Higher Education and ensuring that sustainability, equality and diversity are embedded into our work. The qualities that Professor West brings to the role, and her wealth of experience, will hugely benefit the network."
"We look forward to working even more closely with Professor West to increase our collective impact, enhance international dialogue and deliver an important programme of great activities for our members.”
- Date