THE man who strengthened the academic reputation of Essex University has announced he is to stand down.Professor Sir Ivor Crewe, 60, vice-chancellor of the university, announced yesterday he will relinquish the position in September 2007.

THE man who strengthened the academic reputation of Essex University has announced he is to stand down.

Professor Sir Ivor Crewe, 60, vice-chancellor of the university, announced yesterday he will relinquish the position in September 2007.

During his service as vice-chancellor, Sir Ivor, who is also High Steward of Colchester, has seen the student population at Essex expand from 5,500 to almost 9,000 students.

In this time, the university has engaged in the largest building programme since its foundation. It has also developed a regional presence with a new campus in Southend, a department in Loughton, and partnerships with institutions in Suffolk, Essex and London as well as being recognised as one of the UK's leading academic institutions.

Sir Ivor said: “It will be an enormous wrench to leave such an outstanding university after 36 years. I am proud of the university's very many achievements and I shall leave in the knowledge that it is in a strong position to meet the exciting challenges ahead.”

Chairman of the University Council, Tim Melville-Ross, said: “Ivor has presided over the most successful period in the university's history. With his commitment to Essex's founding principles of excellence in research and teaching, his shrewd judgement and business acumen, he has made a major contribution to the academic and financial success of the university.”

Sir Ivor left Oxford University in 1971 to serve as director of the social science data archive at Essex University's department of government. He went on to become head of that department and then pro-vice chancellor before assuming the position of vice-chancellor in 1995.

Between 2003 and 2005 he served as President of Universities UK and was knighted in the 2006 New Year's Honours.

He is also renowned for his contribution to the study of British politics, having regularly featured as a political commentator on television, radio and the press. He has published 10 books on elections, parties and public opinion in the UK.

Sir Ivor has announced his departure well in advance so he can help hand-over to his successor. The process of recruiting the university's fifth vice-chancellor will now begin.