MARTIN Harris is to be the new chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals. The Manchester University vice chancellor was elected unopposed and will take over from Gareth Roberts on August 1 next year.
Currently a vice-chairman of the CVCP, Professor Harris said he was "thrilled to bits" by the news. His term will start after the general election and the Dearing inquiry report - two events whose importance Professor Harris said could not be exaggerated.
He believed the next two years would be very challenging and there were great opportunities to be seized: "It will be my task to ensure that, in the debates that follow the Dearing report, no one can overlook universities' vital contribution to the learning, research, and economic and cultural prosperity of the UK and its people."
Professor Harris, 52, has been vice chancellor of Manchester since August 1992. He was vice chancellor of Essex University from 1987.
He joined Salford University in 1972 as a lecturer in French and linguistics, became professor of romance linguistics in 1977, dean of social sciences and arts in 1978 and pro vice chancellor in 1981.
Professor Harris recently chaired the review of graduate education in England and Wales, and the national curriculum working group on modern foreign languages in 1989/90. He was awarded the CBE in 1992.
Professor Harris was one of three vice chairmen. A replacement is expected to be announced at the CVCP's next council meeting on January 17.