Francis Campbell to leave St Mary's University

The Vice-Chancellor of St Mary's University, Professor Francis Campbell, has announced that he is leaving to take up a new role as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Notre Dame Australia in January 2020.

In a statement, Professor Campbell said: "St Mary's is such a special community to be part of and the journey we have undertaken, at a time of significant change and flux in the sector with its challenges and opportunities, has been hugely encouraging. I have no doubt that St Mary's will continue to develop and grow stronger and to raise its profile at home and abroad."

Campbell joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as a member of HM Diplomatic Service in 1997. He has worked at the United Nations Security Council in New York, the European Union and the FCO in London. From 1999-2003, he served on the staff of the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, first as a Policy Adviser in the No.10 Policy Unit, and then as a Private Secretary to the Prime Minister. He also served on secondment with Amnesty International as the Senior Director of Policy. Between 2005-2011 he served as Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Holy See, from 2011-13 he served as Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan. From 2013-2014 he was the Head of the Policy Unit in the FCO and Director of Innovation at UK Trade and Investment. He was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of St Mary's University, Twickenham, London in 2014. He is also Professor of International Relations at St Mary's University.

Professor Campbell has received honorary doctorates from five universities worldwide and an Honorary Fellowship from St Edmund's College at Cambridge University in the UK.

During his tenure St Mary's rose to its highest position in the Sunday Times Good University Guide, to 12th best in London and 77th nationally, a rise of 22 places from the table published in 2017. St Mary's ranks as the highest in London for Student Satisfaction, and has an Ofsted Outstanding rating.

Chair of St Mary's University's Board of Governors, Bishop Richard Moth, said: "While we all wish Francis well for the future, it is with great regret that we see him leave. During his five years at St Mary's, he has led the transformation of the University on numerous fronts, in line with our Vision 2025 strategy. Among the many achievements under his leadership, I would particularly highlight the historic gains in league table rankings, retaining Ofsted Outstanding and being awarded TEF Silver status. Francis' leadership, alongside the work of all our St Mary's colleagues, has helped place the University on a more sustainable foundation in this challenging higher education context."

Campbell will be Notre Dame's fourth Vice Chancellor, succeeding Professor Celia Hammond.

"The directors and trustees of Notre Dame are delighted that a person of Professor Campbell's impeccable credentials will be leading the University," said Notre Dame's Chancellor, Chris Ellison.

Professor Campbell said he was excited about joining Notre Dame. "The University of Notre Dame Australia's reputation among Australian universities is exemplary and I am honoured at the opportunity to become its fourth Vice Chancellor," he said.