Essex welcomes new Vice-Chancellor

Professor Frances Bowen has started her role as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex.

She said: “In everything I have seen so far I have felt the pride and commitment of the famous Essex Spirit.

“My priorities are to cultivate Essex's proud heritage, bold spirit and passion for our students' success to navigate the challenges ahead together. I came to Essex because I believe that all the ingredients for success are here. The more I get to know colleagues across our University the more I am convinced that Essex has a strong trajectory and a brilliant future.”

Internationally recognised for her work in corporate environmental strategy, Professor Bowen has extensive experience of leadership roles in leading research-intensive universities such as Essex, which is committed to world-leading research which feeds into high-quality teaching.

She joined Essex from Queen Mary University of London, where she was Vice-Principal and Executive Dean for Humanities and Social Sciences.

Since June, Professor Bowen has been working alongside Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Maria Fasli, but officially began her role as Vice-Chancellor at the beginning of this month. Since joining Essex, she has been meeting staff and students at the University’s campuses in Colchester, Southend and Loughton.

She said: “From the jaw-dropping tech demonstrations in our labs and translation students simultaneously translating a speech into four different languages, to an open-air rehearsal of The Tempest in Loughton and the Students' Union's Student Experience Conference, it has all been incredibly inspiring.”

She added: “I want to thank Professor Maria Fasli for her outstanding leadership as our Acting Vice-Chancellor through a tumultuous year. I’m grateful for all that she and her entire leadership team have done to position our University for the next phase of our strategic renewal.”