ANGLIA Ruskin University has appointed Dr Chris Nicholls as deputy chairman of its board of governors.In his new role, he will support Kate Barker, an economic expert, who took over as chair of the board earlier this year.

ANGLIA Ruskin University has appointed Dr Chris Nicholls as deputy chairman of its board of governors.

In his new role, he will support Kate Barker, an economic expert, who took over as chair of the board earlier this year.

Dr Nicholls joined the board of governors in April 2002 and currently chairs the Capital Projects Steering Group.

He has served on several sub-committees of the board dealing with a wide range of matters including remunerations, nominations and academic performance.

He attended London University and gained a PhD in 1974. He spent a brief spell as a civil servant, but has been a career teacher in the London boroughs and in Essex.

He has been head teacher of Moulsham High School and Humanities College since January 1991 and is currently a member of the National Council for the Association of School and College Leaders. As its pay and conditions officer, he represented the association for all pay-related matters, including the development of performance management systems and workforce remodelling.

In April 2003, he was appointed chair of the newly-formed IRU, a national body of practitioners created to monitor the implementation of Government policy in schools. He was awarded a CBE for his services to education in 2001.

Vice chancellor Professor Michael Thorne said: “Chris is a much-valued member of the board who has shown great drive and determination in helping to lead the strategic development of Anglia Ruskin University.

“We know that he will step up to his new role with great enthusiasm, further shaping Anglia Ruskin University for the benefit of its students and the people of the East of England.”

Dr Nicholls said it was “a particular honour” to be asked to serve as deputy chairman.