University Campus Suffolk has announced that the institution’s current Deputy Provost, Richard Lister, will take over as Provost and chief executive.

The board confirmed their decision today to install Mr Lister today, saying it will provide staff, students and other stakeholders with a sense of stability as UCS progresses towards independence.

He will take on the position with immediate effect and, in the first instance, this will run until August 31 next year.

Professor Edward Acton, Chair of the UCS Board said “The stability that this provides for the staff, students and other stakeholders is extremely helpful as we progress towards independence for UCS.

“In preparing for independence and in addressing the challenges that the current environment poses for all Higher Education Institutions, there will inevitably be some significant changes at UCS over the coming months.

“The board has great confidence in Richard’s ability to lead the organisation through these challenges and looks forward to working with him, and the rest of the management team, in order to ensure UCS’s continued success.”

Mr Lister has previously worked at the University of Essex, from which he was seconded in 2002 to establish its Southend Campus.

In 2004 he moved to develop the plans for the joint initiative between the University of Essex and University of East Anglia to develop UCS. ]

Before this, he also worked at Brunel and Hull Universities.

Mr Lister said: “I feel privileged to be asked to lead UCS through this exciting and challenging period. Having been involved from the start I know what has been achieved so far and that we have outstanding and committed staff determined to deliver the highest quality teaching and learning to our students.

“We will build upon our success so far and adjust to the changed landscape of Higher Education as we work towards being a fully independent University in the next couple of years”.