News - Inspirational Leader Announces Retirement
University College Falmouth press release
University College Falmouth's Rector, Professor Alan Livingston CBE, has informed the College's Board of Governors of his decision to retire at the end of this academic year in August 2009.
During his 21-year tenure, Alan has transformed University College Falmouth into one of the most highly respected institutes for art, design, media and performance. The College attracts students from across the globe and is renowned for the employability of its graduates in the creative industries.
His drive and determination to provide the people of Cornwall with a real alternative to leaving the county to study elsewhere helped to inspire the development of the Combined Universities in Cornwall initiative - a unique partnership of further and higher education providers in Cornwall that has resulted in a major expansion of higher education opportunities in the county. In January 2006, Alan was awarded the CBE for his services to higher education in recognition of his achievements.
Under his leadership, the College has undergone a period of rapid development and expansion. Significant achievements include the acquisition of the Tremough Campus in Penryn in 1999, and its transformation into a world-class campus in collaboration with the University of Exeter and with significant funding from the European Union.
In 2004, the College was awarded the right to confer its own degrees and adopt the status of University College. In April 2008, Alan facilitated the College's merger with Dartington College of Arts, whose students and staff will relocate to Falmouth in 2010 as part of an ambitious plan to create the Arts University Cornwall in 2012.
"I am pleased to have played my part in redressing the equality of opportunity that had been lacking in Cornwall for too long, and to have led the College's expansion during an exciting time in its evolution," commented Alan on his decision. "This would not have been possible without the dedication of the staff, the creativity of our students, and the very many partners with whom I have had the privilege to work, and I extend my thanks to them all."
Commenting on Alan's decision, James Williams, Chairman of the Board of Governors, added: "The contribution Alan has made to Cornwall has been immense and his legacy will be long lasting. As a Board, we will be working hard with Alan over the next nine months in order to ensure that his legacy lives on, and his vision to create Arts University Cornwall is realised."