Anne McCarthy appointed as new chair of UCLan board

University alumni Anne, who graduated with a degree in business, has been a member of the board since 2018 and for the last year has been deputy chair.

Anne said: “I was born and raised in Lancashire and live in Lancashire so being chair of the board of a university that plays such a pivotal role in the county and beyond is a huge honour.”

Anne is looking to bring her knowledge and expertise in change and transformation to the university and said she is looking forward to the opening of both the new School of Veterinary Medicine on the Preston campus and Newtown Mill at the Burnley campus, plus the launch of the change of name to the University of Lancashire, which was recently announced.

Its name is changing to the University of Lancashire, in a bid to “better cement its brand position.”

Prior to starting her own enterprise, Anne worked for Royal Mail where she held roles of HR Director and Group Learning and Development Director. She was responsible for delivering major change. 

She said: “The University of Central Lancashire is a strong civic anchor taking its role very seriously in benefitting communities, businesses and individuals in the places it operates in. 

“I am delighted to be chair for what promises to be an exciting couple of years as we head towards our 200th anniversary in 2028.” 

Jon Baldwin will succeed Anne as deputy chair of the University Board.

The University of Central Lancashire’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “I am looking forward to working with Anne as the new chair of the university’s board at this significant time, with a number of key projects coming to fruition.

“I would also like to say thank you to our outgoing Chair, Dame Sue Ion, for all her support during her time as chair as we navigated some of the biggest challenges the university and the higher education sector has faced in many years.”

Dame Sue Ion added: “I have enjoyed my time as chair of the board of the University, seeing it go from strength to strength and look forward to more progress over the coming years. 

“The university plays a vital role as an anchor institution in Lancashire and as well as major partnerships with industry possesses a significant research profile in key sectors nationally.

“I would like to wish Anne well in her new role and I know she will be an excellent chair for the university going forward.”