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Press release

Former Chancellors of the University of Bradford

Lord Wilson of Rievaulx
(Chancellor: 1966-1985)

In a widely-quoted speech made before he became Prime Minister, Harold Wilson emphasised that the future of Britain was being forged 'in the white heat of technology", and to bring this about it was necessary to educate many more scientists. His close involvement with the University of Bradford as the first Chancellor was one of the ways in which he helped to make this a reality. He guided the University from its inception in 1966 until it became one of the country's leading technological institutions, respected nationally and internationally.

Throughout his 19 years as Chancellor, Lord Wilson rarely missed the degree congregations and personally conferred over 21,000 degrees. He was invariably present at major functions and impressed many by the depth and breadth of his knowledge of the University.

Sir John Harvey-Jones
(Chancellor: 1986-1991)

Like his predecessor, Sir John Harvey-Jones was much more than just a figurehead. He was a strong supporter of universities in general and of the University of Bradford in particular. He believed that Britain's well-being depended on the success of its industry which, in turn, relied upon a successful technical education system.

As Chancellor, Sir John succeeded both in raising Bradford's public visibility while at the same time offering valuable support and advice to the University's management during the financially-difficult late 1980s. He will be remembered in the University of Bradford for his far-sighted advice that helped to establish the administrative structures and policy for the years which lay ahead.

Sir Trevor Holdsworth
(Chancellor:1992-1997)

Sir Trevor Holdsworth, former chairman of National Power and of the Bradford-based Allied Colloids international chemical business, was installed as Chancellor on 24 March 1992.

Bradford-born, Sir Trevor is a distinguished businessman who cherishes his local roots. He believes that invention and innovation are at the heart of wealth creation and economic prosperity, and was proud of the University's reputation for "Making Knowledge Work". Sir Trevor is a firm believer in the importance of lifelong learning. Knighted in 1982, Sir Trevor has appreciable talent as a pianist, and could have risen to international fame in this area had he not chosen a business career. The University is eternally grateful that he chose the latter.

Baroness Betty Lockwood
(Chancellor: 1997-2005)

On her appointment as the University's fourth Chancellor in March 1997, Baroness Betty Lockwood said, "Education is one of the most precious things in life both to the individual and to society as a whole, and as Chancellor I hope to continue to promote that belief in many ways".

Baroness Lockwood had a non-traditional route into higher education having left school at 14 then studying at night school before winning the Mary Macarthur Scholarship for Working Women to Ruskin College, Oxford. Since 1983 when she first joined the University Council and throughout her Chancellorship, Lady Lockwood has vigorously supported the University's widening participation strategy, ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all. This has led to Bradford's pioneering and successful track record in raising participation levels, particularly from traditionally under-represented groups.

Baroness Lockwood's political career to date has been groundbreaking. She was appointed as the first Chairman of the Equal Opportunities Commission in 1975, a post she held for eight years. She was founder Chair of the EU Advisory Committee on Sex Equality and she continues to bring women's issues into prominence. Baroness Lockwood has been an active life peer since 1978 and a Deputy Speaker of the House of Lords since 1989.

University of Bradford

The University was granted its Royal Charter back in 1966, making it the 40th university to be established in Britain, but its roots go back to the early nineteenth century with the establishment of a Mechanics Institute in Bradford and subsequently the opening of Bradford Technical College by the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1882.

Nearly 40 years on, the University has moved from strength to strength. The University has around 10,000 students of whom 80% are undergraduates. Students come from more than 100 different countries and 22% of students are from overseas. The University was ranked 1st for graduate employment and 7th in the UK in The Times league tables 2005 and 3rdmost socially inclusive university in the UK by The Times Higher Educational Supplement Working class Heroes League Table.

We have always been pioneering in our course provision, being the first British University to offer a Peace Studies degree and the first University outside London to offer part-time degree courses. This year we have launched new courses at the cutting edge of technology such as Design for Computer Games and Wireless Sensor Networks and also degree course in Law, Psychology, Media studies, ICT, Geography and Biosciences.

Undergraduate UK/EU applications to the university are up by 33% (against a national increase of 8%) whilst overseas applications are up by 17% (against a national decline of 5%). Postgraduate Taught UK/EU applications are up by 28% and overseas applications by 9%.

28 April 2005