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Teesside University’s very first Vice-Chancellor passes away

18 July 2014

 

Tributes have been paid to Teesside University’s first Vice-Chancellor who laid the foundations for the institution’s success.

Dr Michael Longfield passed away on Thursday at the age of 86.

In 1972 Dr Longfield came to Teesside Polytechnic as Assistant Director (Academic) and took over as Director in 1980. He oversaw the institution’s transformation to a university in 1992 and was the first Vice-Chancellor.

In 1996 he became an honorary graduate of Teesside University when he was made a Doctor of Science.

Dr Longfield lived in Harrogate with his beloved wife June who also sadly passed away earlier this year.

Professor Graham Henderson CBE DL, current Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, said: 'Both Michael and June were great friends of our institution and remained keenly interested in our development and achievements over the years.

'Michael laid many of the foundations on which our success has been built. His gentle and empowering leadership was exactly what was needed at such an important time of transition from polytechnic to university.

'I know Michael was proud of his honorary degree and ongoing links to the University and I know the University was proud to pay tribute to such a key figure in our development. My thoughts and the thoughts of all the University community are with his family.' Mark White, Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office at Teesside University added: 'I was hugely proud to have worked with Michael for many years. I first met him when I was an 18 year-old student and his trust and belief in me over all the years that followed simply means the world to me, and always will.'

'He was the right leader for us, at the right time and he will always be remembered at the University that he did so much to create and to nurture.'

In recent years Teesside became the first modern university to be named Times Higher Education University of the Year and earlier this year the University was presented with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for excellence in higher education.

Talking about the University some years ago, Dr Longfield had said: 'Since the granting of autonomy in 1988 and designation of University status in 1992, the speed of academic development has been astonishing. The University offers a quality of educational experience and cultural vitality of which we can all be proud.'


 
 
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