The Worcester-born new vice chancellor of a London university has visited her home city's university to reflect on how the area has changed.

Professor Sally Wheeler OBE, newly-appointed vice chancellor of Birkbeck, University of London, embarked on a tour of the University of Worcester and its surrounding development sites.

A former pupil of the Alice Ottley School and Abbey High School, Professor Wheeler met with Professor David Green CBE DL, the University of Worcester’s vice chancellor and chief executive.

 

 

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Professor Wheeler said: "I've long admired David Green.

"I'm just about to become a VC myself so I couldn't think of anyone better to have a chat with."

She viewed the facilities and her old stomping grounds, saying: "I've had a look at some of the fantastic facilities and I've had a look what I remember growing up as the Infirmary site, now the City Campus.

"At The Hive we went to see the wonderful children’s library; I've been to The Hive before but usually, I just dash upstairs.

"And I've been to the old boardroom that the British Medical Association was founded in, the old chapel and more."

She added: "The city has utterly transformed, it’s just so different to what I remember growing up.

"In some ways, I had to leave Worcester to come back and appreciate Worcester."

A celebrated legal scholar, Professor Wheeler left Worcester in 1982 and has worked globally, most recently in Canberra, where she was the deputy vice chancellor for international and corporate at the Australian National University.

Professor Green said: "It has been an honour to host Professor Wheeler.

"Sally is a highly accomplished academic and University leader.

"She is a real credit to the city and to Worcestershire."

And to prospects of a budding alliance between the two educational institutions, Professor Green said: "Both Worcester and Birkbeck share a deep commitment to helping those who study with us earn truly meaningful qualifications to enable them to improve their own lives, their families, and the wider community."

For more details on applications and courses, Worcester residents should visit the University of Worcester website.