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Professor Tim Blackman inaugurated as new Vice-Chancellor

13/01/2016
Middlesex University and partners from London, national and international communities officially welcome Professor Tim Blackman as its new Vice-Chancellor

Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Blackman is presented with a special medal during his inauguration ceremony

Professor Tim Blackman was officially inaugurated as Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University on Tuesday 12 January.

Adopting the theme of 'partnership', the traditional inauguration ceremony was attended by Middlesex's local, national and international partners; showcasing the talents and expertise of staff and students from across the University.

The event commenced with a formal procession of Middlesex's academic staff, joined by Deputy Lieutenant Martin Russell and the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet, before Professor Blackman was officially inaugurated in the University's Rickett Quadrangle.

"Our future success will not just be down to us but also to the many partners with whom we collaborate" – Professor Tim Blackman

"I'm honoured to have been appointed the third Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University. It's been a very special evening and wonderful to have shared it with our students and wider community of partners," said Professor Blackman.

"Middlesex transforms the lives of our students across the globe with an experience all about creating future leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs who will make the world a better place.

"Our future success will not just be down to us but also to the many partners with whom we collaborate, which is why the theme of the evening was working together." 

The Rickett Quadrangle illuminated during Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Blackman's inauguration ceremony

A custom-made medal made by the School of Art and Design especially for the occasion was presented to Prof Blackman at the ceremony.

Carrying Middlesex County's coat of arms with three seaxes and a crown, the medal is made with Argentium – an award-winning silver developed by former Middlesex jewellery technician, Peter Johns.

Students from the School of Media and Performing Arts also performed a bespoke piece titled Community, reflecting the Middlesex themes of partnership, inclusion and collaboration.

A social policy expert with a special interest in widening access to higher education, Professor Blackman graduated from Durham University, where he was later a Dean and Head of the School of Applied Social Sciences.

He joined Middlesex from The Open University where he was acting Vice-Chancellor, succeeding Professor Michael Driscoll who retired in June 2015 after 20 years in the position.

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