University appoints new Vice-Chancellor

APPOINTMENT: The University of Hull

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

The University of Hull has appointed Professor Tom Lawson as its next Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Lawson will take up the role in June 2026. 

The university said Professor Lawson is a “passionate advocate for the higher education sector and deeply believes in the transformative power of universities and the vital role they play in changing lives and strengthening communities”.

A highly respected historian with more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, Professor Lawson joins Hull from Northumbria University, where he has served for 13 years in senior leadership roles, most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost. Prior to this, he held leadership positions at the University of Winchester. 

During his time at Northumbria, Professor Lawson has played a pivotal role in its transformation into a research-intensive modern university. 

Professor Lawson said: “I am immensely proud and feel incredibly privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead the University of Hull. It is a remarkable institution, which makes an extraordinary contribution both to its region and to the challenges that we face globally.

“The university has such a rich history, about which I am keen to learn more, and I am hugely excited about the future for this outstanding community of staff and students.”  

Professor Lawson began his academic career as Professor in Holocaust Studies at the University of Winchester before joining Northumbria University as Professor of History in 2013. He became Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences in 2016, and was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost in 2021. 

University of Hull Chair of Council, George Garlick, said: “I am really excited to be welcoming Professor Lawson to the university as its new Vice-Chancellor.

“Professor Lawson has an outstanding record of achievement in successful universities and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. I am certain he will continue to build on the outstanding progress that we have made in the last few years.”