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Mon 20th February, 2012
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, Professor Les Ebdon CBE DL, has been confirmed as the next Director of Fair Access to Higher Education - head of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).
His appointment was confirmed in an announcement by Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Dr Vince Cable earlier today.
Professor Ebdon said: "I am delighted. I have always been passionate about access and opportunity and believe strongly that your background should make no difference to your ability to get into university or to succeed at university.
"The Office for Fair Access is an independent body which was established to safeguard future students' interests and I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work.
"I am grateful for all the messages of support I have received, in particular, from among friends in the higher education sector, including staff, students and graduates, as well as the media," he added.
Alan Cook, Chair of the University of Bedfordshire's Board of Governors said: "Les is an inspirational leader, a first-rate communicator and a superb business man. He has transformed the University of Bedfordshire from a 10,000-student, £30m institution into one which has more than 24,000 students and an annual turnover of some £130m. He is a fierce defender of academic standards. The University received top marks in a Quality Assurance Agency audit in 2009.
"Bedfordshire is now an award-winning University with an international reputation for high-quality teaching, excellent graduate employment rates, modern facilities, strong student support and world-leading research.
"In the last 12 months alone, the University has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise, a Gold Standard from Investors in People and a Times Higher Award for Leadership and Management.
"Les has made an immense contribution to the University of Bedfordshire and also to higher education at local, regional, national and international levels. He has played a key role in promoting the interests of many thousands of students and graduates whose lives have been transformed by their higher education experiences.
"It is no surprise that he has been chosen for this vital role and we wish him every success."
Latest news» 2012» February» University Chief confirmed as next OFFA Director