UK's longest-serving university boss to retire

Dr John Cater smiles at the camera, wearing a black blazer and a light blue shirt, he has his left arm leaning on a stair banister as he poses for the camera in a university building. Image source, Edge Hill University
Image caption,

Dr John Cater has announced he will retire at the end of January 2025

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The UK's longest-serving university vice-chancellor is to step down.

Dr John Cater has been at the helm at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk for over 30 years.

He will step down from his role at the end of January 2025.

Clive Elliott, the chair of the university's board of governors, said Dr Cater's "remarkable leadership has guided the institution through some of the most challenging times the sector has experienced".

'Immense privilege'

Dr Cater said his time at Edge Hill, which has more than doubled the number of research staff since his appointment, has been an "immense privilege" as he thanked his colleagues, staff and students.

Edge Hill will now begin the process to appoint a new vice-chancellor.

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