Following the announcement of his appointment earlier this year, today (1 October 2015), the University welcomes Professor Sir Christopher Snowden as our new Vice-Chancellor.
A distinguished engineer, Sir Christopher was knighted in the 2012 New Year’s Honours for services to higher education and engineering. He joins us from the University of Surrey where he had been President and Vice-Chancellor since 2005.
As he prepared to join the University this week, we asked Sir Christopher why he wanted to be our Vice-Chancellor.
Q What do you remember about the moment you were offered the job?
A I really wanted to do this role at Southampton. I was on my way home from the interview when I received the call in the car (I wasn’t driving!). I was genuinely excited to be offered the role of Vice-Chancellor and I had no hesitation in accepting.
Q Why did you want to lead this University?
A I specifically wanted to lead Southampton because I feel real synergy with the University; I can see fantastic opportunities and my previous experience as a Vice-Chancellor has equipped me to take the University on to even greater achievements.
Q What are your fondest memories of your own student days?
A Like most people who attend university, my own student days were packed with many memories and I made enduring friendships. I found the richness of university life very exciting and I particularly enjoyed the social life and the live music. I think my final year was the most memorable.
Q Many people are aware of your accident earlier this year. How are you doing now?
A I had a fairly major accident in May and I was extremely grateful for the support and kind messages from friends and colleagues, including those here at Southampton. I have made good progress recovering and I am starting just as I planned in my new role. My top tip is to leave climbing ladders to the professionals!
Sir Christopher will be spending time at every UK campus in his first few weeks and embarking on a programme to visit every academic unit and professional service department in the coming months. His first all-staff address will take place in January 2016.
If you would like to make contact, please email [email protected]