A SENIOR leader from an American university has welcomed further collaboration with the University of Worcester on his first visit.

Fernando Delgado, of the University of Minnesota Duluth, praised the university’s forward-thinking approach to expansion and its facilities.

Dr Delgado, the executive vice chancellor of academic affairs, toured the University’s St John’s and City Campuses, the University of Worcester Arena and The Hive and also met with Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, David Green.

Dr Delgado said: "It's a great University and the way the growth has matched the planning and the innovation around the planning has been interesting. It seems very thoughtful.”

He also praised the way that Worcester has expanded its course offering.

"It feels like there is a lot of positive energy at the university which is a good thing,” he added. “I don't think the university has allowed itself to be defined by its past.

"It still has that nice strong programme but it seems to be progressing with the addition of new programmes and finding opportunities to grow, but matched to the needs of the region.”

He said the attitude towards putting students’ wellbeing first and supporting them echoed his own institution’s attitude and coming to the University had been worthwhile for his students so far.

“It's been a positive arrangement - the students that come here have enjoyed the experience,” he added.

“Part of why I'm here is to see where we can take the relationship. We have spent a lot of time talking about pathways for students going in both directions.

“There are interesting things that occur in the UK that are important for our students to understand as they look out into the world.”