Leeds Metropolitan University
Summer Graduation 2006
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Winter Graduation 2006 |
Geoff Hitchins
After a long and distinguished career at the University, Dr Geoff Hitchins, Emeritus Deputy Vice-Chancellor, has received an Honorary Doctorate of Education from the Faculty of Arts and Society.
Upon receiving his Honorary Doctorate, Dr Hitchins said, “I am truly proud and very deeply honoured to be awarded this honorary degree by what is really a very vibrant and exciting university, Leeds Met.
“I have attended and spoken at many graduation ceremonies but I must say it is extremely strange to be at the receiving end of an award.”
He explained that two of the most memorable honorary doctorates he has presented were to Former Leeds United player and South African football captain Lucas Radebe and charity fundraiser Jane Tomlinson.
He said, “People like Lucas and Jane are revered for different activities but essentially they are motivated people who want to put something back into society.”
To the graduands he said, “You have all studied and in some cases worked during these first few years of the 21 st century. These years are in a rapid changing world.
“The one thing I can be sure of is that the rate of change through technology through your working lives will continue to accelerate. I congratulate you all and wish you all the success and happiness in the years ahead.”
He added, “Under the leadership of Professor Lee the university has developed numerous partnerships in education, culture, sport and business, all of which involve opportunities for involvement by our students and our staff.”
Dr Geoff Hitchins recently retired as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Metropolitan University .
As a student he gained a first degree in Mathematics, a Masters in Computing and a PhD as a numerical analyst solving complex mathematical problems on the early mainframe computers. Following initial employment as a university lecturer and researcher followed by a move into management, Geoff joined Leeds Polytechnic as its first head of computing services in 1978. In the next seven years he undertook a local and national role in the transformation of polytechnic computing services.
He was appointed to the senior management team in 1985 and has undertaken a major role in resource and strategic planning for some 20 years, whilst stepping in twice at short notice to spend some months as acting Vice-Chancellor.
In 1997 he was appointed to the Board of Harrogate College, steering the college into merger with the University and thereafter led the team that integrated the College into the University.
Geoff has championed the resurgence of the Carnegie Faculty of Sport and Education and the Carnegie Brand. This included assuming the role of Acting Dean in 2004 and leading an international search for a new Dean.
He started the regional university network of partner FE colleges. From two partners in 2004/05 this will rise to fourteen in 2006/07. It is a major contribution to increasing access to higher education for students of all ages and backgrounds who wish to study locally. Internationally Geoff has been heavily involved in strategic benchmarking through the Association of Commonwealth Universities, presenting many papers and leading discussions on aspects of strategic planning.
He has just completed five years as Chair of the Board of Unipol Student Homes Ltd, which provides residential accommodation for many thousands of students in Leeds and Bradford . He is also a Governor of Park Lane College in Leeds and Chairs their Quality and Standards Committee, has been on the Yorkshire and Humber Leadership Team for the Environment, and has given years advising a local hospice.
Geoff continues to support the university part-time as Emeritus Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
HONORARY AWARDS 2006
Saturday 22nd July
Friday 21st July
Thursday 20th July
Wednesday 19th July