Professor Blackman joins Middlesex from The Open University where he was Acting Vice-Chancellor.  He takes over from Professor Michael Driscoll who served as Vice-Chancellor for nearly 20 years. 

He has extensive leadership experience in higher education.  Having graduated from Durham, he returned to Durham University to hold positions including the Head of the School of Applied Social Sciences, Director of the Wolfson Research Institute and the Dean of the university's campus in Stockton-on-Tees.  He has also served as Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law at Teesside University and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Law at Oxford Brookes University.  He joined the Open University in 2011 as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Quality.

Speaking on his first day, Professor Blackman said: "It's an honour and privilege to be Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex, and I am extremely proud to be leading a diverse university, with students from all walks of life working together and learning from one another. 

"Professor Driscoll has contributed hugely to Middlesex University's outstanding achievements, climbing league tables across the board, and I aim to continue building on Middlesex's success."

Professor Blackman was selected for the role by a selection panel and external assessor.

Colin Hughes, Chair of the Middlesex University Board of Governors, said: "We're delighted to today welcome Professor Tim Blackman to Middlesex as its new Vice-Chancellor.  With his extensive career in higher education at a senior level, together with his experience, and commitment to Middlesex's values, I am confident Professor Blackman will lead the university from strength to strength."