Education Today Education Today Magazine
The University of London has appointed Philip (Phil) Allmendinger as its new Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) Education, following a competitive international recruitment process.
Professor Allmendinger will join the University on 1 July 2024, and brings a wealth of experience from across the higher education across the sector. During his 28 years in higher education Professor Allmendinger has held a host of senior leadership positions, including as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor and a Head of School (Dean) of the Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Cambridge and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Bath. He has most recently been the Chief Academic Officer at Forward College, Paris, one of the University’s Recognised Teaching Centres.
In addition to senior leadership positions, Professor Allmendinger brings significant experience overseeing student experience, research strategy and support and fundraising. During his career, he has also been responsible for international strategy, portfolio development and digital transformation.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Phil to the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education). He brings extensive leadership experience and skills in higher education to the University, as well as sector-wide knowledge of student experience, research strategy and support.
“I look forward to working with Phil as he takes forward our position as the UK’s leading provider of distance learning worldwide, collaborating closely with colleagues from across the federation to deliver cutting edge-programmes and opening up new opportunities to our students.’’
Professor Allmendinger said: “The University of London is world-renowned for its academic excellence and its vibrant, diverse community. It is a beacon of innovation and research in the higher education landscape across the world, and I am truly honoured and excited to be joining as the new Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education).
“My vision for the role is to not only continue its legacy of excellence but to expand on it by embracing new teaching methodologies, enhancing our digital learning platforms, and ensuring that our curricula reflect the global and diverse nature of our society today. As I know from personal experience, education is a powerful tool for change, and I look forward to working with the entire University community and our federation members to empower our students to meet the challenges of the future.”
Alongside his leadership roles, Professor Allmendinger remains active in research and teaching. His most recent book, The Forgotten City, was published in 2021 and he is updating his Planning Theory book for its fourth edition. He is the co-editor on a book called Planning Futures, with colleagues at UCL and the University of Cardiff, and holds honorary positions at both the universities of Cambridge and Bath. He also still teaches and supervises PhD students at the University of Cambridge.
The new role includes responsibility for the University’s educational strategy and student experience, including the University’s work with federation members to promote the contribution of distance education across global communities. Professor Allmendinger will also hold the position of Professor of Land Economy, which was his title at Cambridge, reflecting his ongoing research interests and teaching activities.
This is a new role which takes on many of the responsibilities previously held by Professor Mary Stiasny, who retires at the end of June.
