Universities UK has appointed an internal candidate – Vivienne Stern – as its next chief executive, replacing out-going Alistair Jarvis.
Stern joined the organisation in 2001, eventually rising to the role of director of UUK International (UUKi) in 2014, representing 140 British universities on the global stage and their international interests.
She will begin her new role in September 2022. Jarvis, chief executive of five years, leaves for the University of London to take up the newly created job of pro-vice-chancellor for partnerships and governance.
In her six years in senior leadership, UUK said Stern had played a crucial role spearheading its post-Brexit campaigns to secure a new graduate route visa, shape the Turing Scheme and develop the International Education Strategy.
I look forward to working with the president, the board, and all those who work in our universities to ensure that they are equipped to fulfil their potential
– Vivienne Stern
“Our universities are one of the UK’s outstanding strengths, said Stern. “It is an enormous privilege to be asked to represent them, and to lead the talented team at Universities UK.
“I look forward to working with the president, the board, and all those who work in our universities to ensure that they are equipped to fulfil their potential, nationally and internationally, in education, research and in the many positive ways they contribute to the public good.”
Prof Steve West – president of UUK and vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England – said many of his peers had “benefitted from [Vivienne’s] insights and expertise for a number of years”. She had, he said, “a strong track record in campaigning, political advocacy, and the ability to connect with a diverse range of stakeholders”, qualities that were crucial in the “the current economic, social and political climate”.
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