Professor Tim Vorley OBE appointed the University of Hertfordshire’s new Deputy Vice‑Chancellor

The University of Hertfordshire has appointed Professor Tim Vorley OBE as its new Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Vorley joins Herts from Oxford Brookes University, where he is currently Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation. During his time at Oxford Brookes, he has also held senior leadership roles leading the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and Oxford Brookes Business School. He brings more than 20 years’ experience in higher education as a leader, researcher and teacher, with particular strengths in innovation, enterprise and partnership working.

An economic geographer by background, Professor Vorley’s research focuses on entrepreneurship and regional economic development. He was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to enterprise, entrepreneurship and innovation, and is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and the Chartered Association of Business Schools.

Professor Anthony Woodman, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Vorley as our new Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire. In his current and previous roles, he has led major institutional initiatives, strengthened interdisciplinary research, and developed ambitious partnerships with commercial, civic and public sector organisations. This extensive experience aligns closely with the University’s continued focus on enterprise, collaboration and real-world impact, and will be instrumental in supporting our future ambitions at a particularly exciting and progressive moment for the University.”

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vorley will lead the development of the University’s academic portfolio, working closely with Deans and Pro Vice-Chancellors across education, student experience and outcomes, research and enterprise, and international and regional partnerships.

Speaking about his appointment, Professor Vorley said:

“I’m delighted to be joining the University of Hertfordshire at such an exciting time. I’m particularly looking forward to working with the Vice-Chancellor and colleagues across the University to build on Herts’ strong foundations and further strengthen its role as a connected, enterprising university.”

Professor Vorley will take up his role on Monday 10 August. He replaces Professor Mairi Watson, who joined Glasgow Caledonian University as its new Principal and Vice-Chancellor in February.

Find out more about the University of Hertfordshire's governance and leadership.