Appointment of Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean for Global Partnerships

The Vice Chancellor has announced that Professor Christopher Wigginton has been appointed to the new role of Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean - Global Partnerships at Ulster University.

In this leadership role, Chris will serve as an ambassadorial lead of Ulster University abroad, tasked with connecting Ulster to the world and the world with Ulster.

He will lead the development of the University’s international strategy for recruitment, collaborations and academic internationalisation including strengthening its current partnerships across the world and the wider UK, while developing innovative new education opportunities.

On this appointment, Professor Paul Seawright, Deputy Vice Chancellor, commented:

“I am delighted that we have appointed Professor Chris Wigginton. He has exceptional experience in both senior leadership in HE and in developing global partnerships. His experience of team building and working across subject and geographic boundaries, will be a considerable asset to Ulster University.

“Chris’ initial focus will be on developing a new international strategy, supporting our high performing international partnerships, and leading the Global Engagement team. I wish him every success in this new leadership role.”

Professor Wigginton joined from Sheffield Hallam University as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Engagement and Partnerships where he lead the University's strategy for global engagement, the development of its regional, national and international partnerships, and its work on place-based impact. This role was combined with oversight of one of the University’s three academic Colleges. Prior to this, he led the Faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences and Arts, Computing, Engineering and Sciences.

Chris has an applied academic profile, combining more traditional academic work with externally engaged and industry-focused activity. He has worked in the Creative Industries Sector in London and Rome, and has undertaken externally funded research and education projects in various fields, with a particular focus on place.

This includes three published books and a range of projects and activities, for bodies including the UKRI, Research England and the AHRC.

Professor Chris Wigginton said:

“I am delighted to be joining what is a great University, with the colleagues I have met so far - from the University Senior Leadership Team, to members of the Global team, to others, wholly committed to the transformative power of education and research regionally and internationally.  The work that the Global team has undertaken over the last few years is truly impressive and will form an outstanding basis for the future of the University’s global engagement and partnerships.”