The vice-chancellor of the University of South Wales, Dr Ben Calvert, has confirmed he will retire next summer.
Like many universities the higher education institution has been hit by falling student numbers, particularly high fee paying international undergraduates and postgraduates.
Faced with a £20m deficit in its current financial year it has been forced to implement a voluntary redundancy scheme and cull courses. As a result several hundred staff have left. In its financial year to the end of July, 2024, Dr Calvert’s had a total remuneration of £281,000 compared to £244,000 a year earlier.
He took up his current role in October 2021. He first joined the university, which has campuses in Treforest and Cardiff and also includes the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, in 2015. Prior roles include being the university’s deputy vice-chancellor and pro vice-chancellor for learning, teaching, and student experience.
He is chair of diaspora organisation Global Wales, vice chair of Universities Wales, and sits on the board of trustees at UCAS, University Alliance, and CBI Wales Council.
He said:“After careful consideration, I have decided to retire next Summer at the end of my first term in office.
“It has been an honour to serve this incredible University, and I am proud of the impact we make, day in, day out, on the people and communities we serve.”
Louise Evans, chair of the university’s board of governors, said: “We are deeply grateful to Ben for his leadership, dedication, and vision through one of the toughest external environments the higher education sector has faced. His contribution to the University of South Wales will have a lasting impact, and we wish him all the very best for the future.”
The board has confirmed the search for a new vice-chancellor is now under. Dr Calvert’s successor is expected to be named in the autumn.
