Colin Smith, former Director and Group President of Rolls-Royce, joins Dr Gill Rider and Jon Sopel as Pro-Chancellor, deputising for the Chancellor in playing an active ambassadorial role in the future development of the University. His role as Pro-Chancellor will take immediate effect.
Colin joined Rolls-Royce in 1974 as an undergraduate apprentice before achieving his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University. He was later made an Honorary Doctor of Science by the University.
In 2005, Colin became Director – Engineering and Technology when he was also appointed a member of the Board of Rolls-Royce. Colin retired as Group President of Rolls-Royce in 2017.
He is Chairman of UK Industry Aerospace Growth Partnership and a member of the UK Council for Science and Technology. Colin is also a keen supporter of the University of Southampton’s campaign to establish the UK’s first dedicated Centre for Cancer Immunology.
“I am absolutely delighted to have been offered this role as a Pro-Chancellor of the University which contributed so much to my education and gave me many long term friends,” said Colin.
Dr Gill Rider, Chair of the University’s Council and fellow Pro-Chancellor, said:
“Colin Smith’s appointment provides the University of Southampton with a superb Pro-Chancellor who has excellent credentials as a major industry leader and an alumnus. His future engagement with Southampton will only serve to enhance the institution’s reputation globally and I look forward to serving alongside him.”
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