High Wycombe: Buckinghamshire New University appoints vice chancellor

Rebecca Bunting has been appointed as the new vice chancellor and chief executive officer of Buckinghamshire New University and will take over from Professor Ruth Farwell, who is retiring.  

Bunting is currently the deputy vice chancellor at the University of Portsmouth and has held senior roles at universities including Anglia Ruskin and Northampton.

She is due to start her role at Bucks New University early next year.

She said: “I very much look forward to starting my role. I am keen to meet the University’s council members, staff, students and external colleagues when I arrive, and to start discussions about our ambitions for the University over the next few years.

Bunting graduated from the University of Cambridge with an English degree and started her career teaching in London comprehensive schools, transferring to higher education as a senior lecturer at the University of Roehampton. She was later dean of education at Anglia Ruskin University and pro-rector at the University of Northampton.

She moved to the University of Portsmouth in 2004 as pro vice chancellor and was promoted in 2007 to deputy vice chancellor.

Bunting is chair of the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s (HEFCE) Widening Participation Review Group and a board director of The Higher Education Academy (HEA).

Speaking about her values, she said she has a strong commitment to social equality and the value of diversity, and recognises the transformative nature of higher education.

Dame Christine Beasley, chair of the university council, said: “I am delighted about Rebecca’s appointment. I know she shares the values of the University, and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge.

“The council and I are looking forward to working with her as she leads the University during the next phase of its development.”