A new Registrar and Secretary with a wealth of leadership and management experience has been appointed to head up the day to day running of the University of Essex.
Bryn Morris, who is currently responsible for the operational performance and administration of the Institute of Education, University of London, will replace Dr Tony Rich.
Mr Morris has served as Director of Administration and Secretary at the Institute since 2005. He is responsible for the provision of all the professional services across the Institute and for its delivery against its corporate strategy. He will take up the Essex role on 7 November.
Mr Morris previously worked in senior management positions at the Audit Commission (from 1998-2005) and the British Coal Corporation. Born in Writtle, Essex, he is a University of Cambridge history graduate. He is married with two children.
He will replace Dr Tony Rich, who leaves the University in July after 12 years in post to become Registrar and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Bristol. Dr Rich, who joined Essex from the University of East Anglia, played a key role in the establishment of the University’s campus in Southend and, in partnership with the University of East Anglia, the creation of University Campus Suffolk.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, said: “I would like to thank Tony Rich for his support and his immense contribution to the success of the University of Essex.” Professor Riordan further commented: “Bryn Morris has a track record of successful leadership and strategic management and I look forward to welcoming him to our senior management team as we press ahead with our ambitious programme of investment in new student facilities and opportunities, cutting edge research and international developments.”
Mr Morris said: “I’m really excited at the prospect of working with the community of distinguished staff, talented students and committed partners at Essex, as the University approaches its 50th anniversary. With distinctive traditions, the University is well placed to continue to enhance the excellence and impact of its work in this country and internationally. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to that process.”
Bill Gore, Chair of the University’s governing body, Council, which confirmed Mr Morris’ appointment today, said: “Bryn Morris will bring a wealth of experience from higher education and the wider public and commercial sector to help deliver Essex’s vision to remain globally competitive, research intensive and student focused.”
The Registrar and Secretary is the University’s Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the provision of high quality, cost-effective professional and academic support services. Mr Morris will become a member of the University’s eight-strong senior management team.
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For further information and for a photograph of Bryn Morris, please contact the Communications Office at the University of Essex on 01206 872400, e-mail: comms@essex.ac.uk.