WORCESTER'S University College has announced its successor to principal Dorma Urwin, who is set to leave before Christmas.

Professor David Green, who is currently pro vice chancellor and professor of economics at Thames Valley University, will be taking up the position in January 2003.

The father-of-two and published author will be bringing a wealth of experience to the post.

He previously led the business school at Leeds Metropolitan University to become Britain's top-rated new university business school.

The new principal is relishing the prospect of joining UCW and playing a major role in helping it achieve full university status.

"I'm extremely excited by the challenges that lie ahead," he said. "What has impressed me most about UCW, and the key reason I decided this was the place I wanted to be, is its combination of purposeful professionalism with warmth and friendliness."

Prof Green was born in the United States and spent much of his childhood there.

He took a degree in Economics at Cambridge University and his first role after leaving university saw him working for homeless charity Shelter. From 1979-1998 he worked at South Bank University, eventually becoming head of the business school.

While living in Hackney, in London's East End, he served on the Council for Racial Equality for 20 years, as well as chairing Hackney Community Action.

Chairman of the Governors at UCW John Yelland is delighted Prof Green has accepted the post.

"In Dorma Urwin we have had a magnificent leader for the past 10 years and it was always going to be difficult to replace her," he said.

"In David, we are convinced we have found someone ideally suited to take UCW forward into the exciting times ahead".

Prof Green will take up his new post as principal and chief executive in January 2003.