New Vice-Chancellor announced for University of Essex

Professor Frances Bowen is to become the University’s new Vice-Chancellor from August 2025.

Internationally recognised for her work in corporate environmental strategy, Professor Bowen has extensive experience of leadership roles in research-intensive universities.

She joins Essex from Queen Mary University of London, where she is Vice-Principal and Executive Dean for Humanities and Social Sciences.

She will join the University at the beginning of June 2025, and will become Essex’s next Vice-Chancellor from 1 August 2025, succeeding Professor Maria Fasli, who has been Acting Vice-Chancellor since August 2024.

Professor Bowen said: "I am honoured and excited to be appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex. The University's confident growth and relentless focus on quality across both education and research has positioned Essex particularly well for sustainability and success. While it is clearly a challenging time for all UK universities, Essex has a strong trajectory and a brilliant future.

"As a social science researcher myself, I have been aware for many years of Essex's fabulous research reputation and infrastructure across the social and economic sciences. Getting to know the University over the past few months has shown me that the University's excellence is much broader than this, with a truly diverse and inclusive academic offer.

"As I met colleagues and students during the selection process, I was inspired to hear what gives the University community hope that Essex will thrive over the next decade based on clear values and a common ethos. My priority will be to cultivate Essex's proud heritage, bold spirit, and passion for our students' success to navigate the challenges ahead together."

Before her current role at Queen Mary, Professor Bowen was Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Social Sciences at the University of East Anglia and later also Pro-Vice-Chancellor for International. Prior to this she held several key leadership positions at Queen Mary including Director of Research in the School of Business and Management, Head of School and then Dean.

She has secured numerous research grants and frequently provides evidence and advice to private and public sector organisations on sustainable business strategies.

Melanie Leech CBE, Chair of Council and the Selection Panel said: "I am delighted Professor Bowen has accepted our invitation to become the University's Vice-Chancellor from August next year.

"She brings a significant record of achievement to the role and the selection panel felt that she exemplified Essex - bold, ambitious, and committed to our purpose and values. Her leadership and vision will build on our 60-year history and the achievements of her predecessors and foster the continued health and evolution of the University during what will remain a challenging time for UK universities.

"The University of Essex has a proud reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and an unwavering focus on student success. I am confident that, under Professor Bowen's leadership, we will continue to build on our strengths - inspiring and shaping a brighter future for our students and playing a key role in our local communities."

Professor Bowen holds degrees from the University of Oxford, Northeastern University in the USA, and the University of Bath. She has also held visiting fellowships at the University of Oxford and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.