News

University manager transfers to Durham

(13 November 2002)

The University of Durham has appointed Lee Sanders, currently at the University of Warwick, to the senior management post of Registrar and Secretary.

Currently Academic Registrar at Warwick University, Mr Sanders will be joining Durham early in 2003 - around the publication time of the Government's postponed White Paper on higher education which is expected to deal with key matters such as funding, fees and student numbers.

He said: "I am delighted to be joining Durham. With the White Paper due, it is a very interesting time for us all in higher education. Durham is one of the UK's top universities with a strong record for teaching and research. These, together with its strategic programmes, make Durham well-placed to take advantage of new opportunities. I look forward to working with the Vice-Chancellor and the whole university community."

He will be a member of the University Executive Committee and is the senior administrative officer responsible to the Vice-Chancellor and the University's two statutory bodies - the overall governing Council and the Senate, which oversees academic policy-making.

Mr Sanders has been in his present role since 1999 and has wide experience in different aspects of university life.

After graduating from the University of Manchester in 1986 in History, he became a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Manchester. In 1990 he moved to Warwick University, first as Administrative Officer, then as Assistant Registrar & Secretary to the Warwick Graduate School (from 1992), Senior Assistant Registrar (Quality) from 1995, and then Director of Research and Development Services between 1997 and 1999.

While at Warwick he has participated in management service reviews in UK universities and in international projects, such as new academic ventures and student recruitment. Overseas training and consultancy visits include Argentina, Ethiopia and Eritrea.

Vice-Chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman said: "Our Registrar and Secretary is responsible for managing the university administration and plays a principal role developing and implementing strategy for the University. Lee Sanders is an outstanding appointment and we look forward to welcoming him to Durham."

Lee, originally from Northampton, is married to Sarah, Assistant Director of Planning at the Open University. (PR1059, 11/11/02)