University announces new boss

Professor Julie Mennell is set to take over the reins from Prof Peter Strike.

She is currently deputy vice chancellor (development) at the University of Sunderland.

Chairman of the University Board, Euan Cartwright said the appointment followed a stringent search and added: “I want to pay tribute to Professor Peter Strike for the excellent job he has done in positioning the university so that it is able to look forward to the future with confidence and I am sure Julie will build on the strong foundation laid by Peter and his colleagues.