Professor Niamh Downing has been appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Bournemouth University.
Professor Downing is a well-informed and strategic leader who has held a broad range of senior roles in higher education. She is a Professor of Environmental & Public Humanities, with UKRI-funded research as Principal and Co-Investigator.
Currently Pro Vice Chancellor (Education & Student Experience) at Canterbury Christ Church University, she oversees various departments including Registry, Student Administration, Library, Learning, Teaching and Enhancement, and Student Wellbeing, and leads a number of strategic projects, including the new Academic Framework and Portfolio Review.
Previously, she was founding Principal & Chief Executive Officer at Corndel College London, where she established a new higher education institution delivering degree apprenticeships to multiple FTSE 100 clients. From 2020- 2023, she was Provost & Deputy Vice Chancellor at Regent's University London, where she led significant strategic transformation, including an industry-connected degree model, step change from Bronze to Silver in the TEF2023 and the development of the new University Strategy. Earlier roles include Head of Humanities at Sheffield Hallam University, where she led curriculum redesign and strategic partnerships, and Head of English & Writing at Falmouth University, where she improved graduate outcomes through flagship partnerships in publishing and the creative industries.
Professor Downing was Co-Director of Off the Shelf Festival of Words 2018-2020, and led the Nick Darke Award on behalf of Falmouth University. She also represented Sheffield Hallam on the Sheffield Culture Consortium and the DCMS-funded Cultura Collective for the city of Sheffield.
Professor Alison Honour, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer said ”I am delighted that Professor Downing will become our Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost following a national search and competitive selection process from a strong field of candidates. Professor Downing will bring an inspiring style, exceptional skillset and breadth of experience to BU. She will play a pivotal role in seeking fresh and innovative opportunities for our next strategic plan through to 2035 and shaping BU’s success”.
Professor Downing will join the University on 1 July 2025.
