Chancellors | ||
| 1963-1967 | Lord Harewood | |
| 1967-1978 | Sir Kenneth Clark | |
| 1979-1990 | Lord Swann | |
| 1991-2004 | Dame Janet Baker | |
Vice-Chancellors | ||
| 1962-1973 | Lord James of Rusholme | "A university consists not primarily of buildings, but of men and women, both staff and students," wrote Lord James in his first Annual Report. Formerly High Master of Manchester Grammar School, Lord James' views on the importance of meritocracy were well known and controversial. He took very seriously "the University's obligation to be a cultural and educational force in the region". His three cardinal principles for York were that it should be collegiate in character, is should deliberately aim to limit the range of subjects, and much of the teaching should be by tutorials and seminars. |
| 1973-1978 | Dr Morris Carstairs | |
| 1979-1993 | Professor Berrick Saul | "The main feature of the development of the University in my time was its growth in line with University Grants Council policy. With regard to student numbers, at the time, we thought it important to limit the rate of expansion. With this in mind too, the collegiate system was retained and indeed strengthened. The most significant individual feature was the growth of research and this, above all, boosted our national standing in the league tables that emerged at this time. It called for major efforts from our academic and support staff, and required investment to attract top researchers from outside with all the necessary equipment and buildings. The Science Park was another element of this strategy. To be successful, a university must develop its own special niches, and York aimed to be top class in both teaching and research whilst remaining relatively small." |
| 1993-2002 | Professor Sir Ron Cooke | "One of the first letters I received was from the President of the Students' Union which began, 'Dear Ron, Please may we have permission to use Central Hall for a sit-in?' "An indication that internal communications at York were better than I had imagined came immediately after the Planning Committee had approved the creation of a chair in Women's Studies. I went back to the office to find two congratulatory emails. How could the writers have know the decision?" |
| 2002-present | Professor Brian Cantor | "To have achieved what we have in only 40 years is a real cause of celebration. It has not been without strife, crises and difficulties, but the experience for most of us has been a very happy one. York is noted for its friendliness, non-hierarchical atmosphere, and collegiate approach. We can match this proudly with very high quality in teaching, research, and working with our community." more...> |