Episode 41: From farmer's boy to vice-chancellor, an extraordinary Higher Ed journey

In episode 41 of the podcast I talk about stuff with a notable sector leader, Professor Craig Mahoney who is Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Law.  From growing up on a farm in Tasmania Craig came to the UK to study, ending up at Queen's University Belfast to complete his doctorate before taking up a series of academic posts and ultimately becoming Principal and Vice-Chancellor at the University of the West of Scotland, a post he held for eight years. Craig rightly feels a sense of real achievement from his time in charge at UWS which he has taken forward into his new role at the University of Law, a very different kind of institution which has a long history but a different operating model as a private for-profit university.

Craig and I reflect on when we first met on the then Leadership Foundation's Top Management Programme and note that he is the only one of the TMP17 cohort to go on to be a VC. We also discuss his passion for teaching and the different approaches required, including the technological innovations developed in response to the pandemic. Craig trained as a teacher but also spent a few years leading the Higher Education Academy. 

We also explore Craig's thoughts about the biggest challenges facing the sector which range from the need to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of young people, the importance of a more grown up debate about what universities are trying to achieve, getting to the right age participation rate and the major funding issues facing individual students and the sector as a whole.

We discuss the essential place of sport in university life - Craig is also chair of BUCS - and the many benefits it brings, particularly to students' mental health and well-being. Finally, and most importantly you could argue, we explore the important relationship between registrars and their vice-chancellors.

This is the first time I've spoken to a VC on the podcast and I am delighted it was with such a great character - I do hope you enjoy listening. 

Note you can find a recording of Craig's recent inaugural lecture at the University of Law here.