Just weeks after the elections for the Oxford Chancellor, the University is already turning its attention to filling another major position, Vice- Chancellor. But the aftermath of the Chancellorship race may yet cast shadows over attempts to fill this more substantial post. The current Vice-Chancellor, Sir Colin Lucas, is due to retire at the end of September 2004 after completing an extended seven-year term. Two college heads, the Hon Michael Beloff QC of Trinity and Dame Fiona Caldicott of Somerville, have been rumoured to be seeking the post. Both happen to have been high-profile supporters of Chancellorship aspirants; many also regard them as somewhat unlikely candidates. At least one college head believes the University may instead appoint an outsider with experience in the American Ivy League in the hope that robust financial skills could help solve Oxford’s £23 million teaching deficit crisis. Late last year, Cambridge University nominated Professor Alison Richard, Provost of Yale, as its own Vice-Chancellor. . Subject to governing body approval she will take up the post in October. But at the moment Beloff and Caldicott are the front-runners, though not the only rumoured aspirants. The President of Magdalen, Anthony Smith, had also been mentioned in connection with the job, but is said to believe that, at 65, he too old for the post. Beloff became a Queen’s Counsel in 1981 and has been President of Trinity College since 1996. Once described by Legal Business as ‘The Bar’s Renaissance Man’, he is one of Britain’s most successful lawyers, but courted controversy as a key supporter of unsuccessful Chancellor candidate Lord Bingham when he tried to exploit his legal standing during the campaign by emailing barristers a personal recommendation. Beloff also caused a storm last week when he announced that Trinity is to reduce subsidies and raise costs for Trinity students by 57 per cent over four years. Caldicott meanwhile, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, has been the Principal of Somerville College for six years and managed Chris Patten’s successful campaign for Chancellor. However, she is playing down any suggestions that she would benefit from his victory, remarking, “The university has to choose the best person for the job,” and declining to say whether or not she would take the job if nominated. If chosen, however, she would be Oxford’s first female Vice- Chancellor. The Vice-Chancellor will be selected by a nominating committee that represents both the academic divisions and the colleges. He or she will not take up the role until October 2004, holding office for an initial period of five years after which the term may be extended by up to two years. Whoever is chosen will preside over finance and fundraising and carry out ceremonial and civic duties.
ARCHIVE: 3rd Week TT 2003
Vice Chancellor Mystery
