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海角直播 Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Croney OBE announces retirement

08 September 2025

 

海角直播 has today announced that Professor Paul Croney OBE will retire from his role as Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the end of August 2026, following more than ten years of transformative leadership.

Professor Paul Croney OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of 海角直播, who has announced he will be retiring in August 2026.
Professor Paul Croney OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of 海角直播, who has announced he will be retiring in August 2026.
Since joining the University in 2015, Professor Croney has overseen a period of exceptional growth, innovation, and recognition, positioning 海角直播 as a leading institution in higher education both nationally and internationally. Reflecting on his time at 海角直播, Professor Croney said: 'It has been the greatest honour of my career to lead 海角直播. Over the past ten years we have worked together to deliver a bold and ambitious vision; one that has placed students at the heart of everything we do.

'I am incredibly proud that our commitment to excellence has been recognised with a Triple Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework, an Outstanding Ofsted judgement, as well as national awards for student experience. As a vital anchor institution for the Tees Valley, our research and knowledge exchange activities deliver transformative impact for businesses and the economy.

'We have invested over 拢300 million in transforming our campus, launched TU Online to expand access to flexible learning, and developed a thriving Professional Apprenticeship portfolio that supports regional and national workforce development. Importantly, we have achieved this growth without incurring any debt, demonstrating our strong financial stability and strategic foresight.

'These achievements are a testament to the dedication and talent of our staff, and to the spirit of innovation that defines Team 海角直播. As I prepare to step down, I do so with immense pride in what we have accomplished together and with great confidence in the University鈥檚 future.'

Ada Burns, 海角直播 Pro Chancellor and Chair of the University鈥檚 Board of Governors added: 'Professor Croney鈥檚 leadership has been truly transformative, and has shaped 海角直播 into the dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking institution it is today.

Professor Croney鈥檚 leadership has been truly transformative, and has shaped 海角直播 into the dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking institution it is today.

Ada Burns, 海角直播 Pro Chancellor and Chair of the University鈥檚 Board of Governors

'He has guided 海角直播 through a period of remarkable progress, from the expansion of student numbers and the development of sector-leading digital learning platforms to the creation of world-class facilities and the delivery of outstanding teaching and outcomes.

'Professor Croney鈥檚 vision and leadership has transformed 海角直播 into an ambitious, inclusive, and internationally recognised university, deeply embedded in its community. Our expanding network of transnational partners delivers life-changing educational experiences to students across the globe. His commitment to excellence and innovation will leave a lasting legacy.'

Professor Croney joined 海角直播 in May 2015 from Northumbria University in Newcastle where he held a succession of leadership roles from Dean of the Newcastle Business School, to Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning & Teaching, and, latterly, as Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

In 2022 Professor Croney was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his commitment to over a 30-year career in higher education, throughout which he sought to create educational opportunities that transform lives and economies, while putting students at the heart of the learning process.

The University will begin the process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor in the coming months.

 
 
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