Oxford's new Vice-Chancellor, Andrew Hamilton, has promised to defend Oxford from "political opportunism". In his inauguration speech to dons in the Sheldonian on Tuesday, he emphasised Oxford's commitment to "excellence", mentioning the word eight times.
He said: "Commitment to excellence comes at a price. It is expensive. It demands high standards and constant attention. It is not always popular and has to be defended against political opportunism and crude social engineering." Beginning his brief address, he said: "I stand before you in a wonderfully confused state, not, I suspect, for the last time in Oxford; a confused state of excitement, trepidation and gratitude," Oxford immediately came into my thoughts when I was reminded of the story about two colleagues who, while hiking in the Rockies, were charged by a Grizzly Bear and, of course, immediately started running away. But as they were trying to make their escape, one of them stopped, opened his backpack and pulled on a pair of running shoes. 'What are you doing?' said his friend - 'bears can run at 30 miles an hour - you will never out-run it'. To which our newly shod hiker replied 'I don't have to out run the bear... I just have to out run you!' To me this story suggested some key components of Oxford: creative thinking, coupled with the expert use of modern technology, to achieve a competitive advantage," he continued.
Hamilton's previous post was as Provost of Yale University between 2004 and October 2008. He read Chemistry at the University of Exeter as an undergraduate before receiving a PhD in Cambridge. Hamilton will replace John Hood. Of Hood, Hamilton said: "The measure of a great university administrator is whether they leave their institution stronger than when they found it. Oxford is much stronger because of John Hood."
In the days since he started work this week, Hamilton has identified as a priority the need to raise more funds from Oxford's alumni. "For a 900-year-old university, Oxford does have an emphasis on the short term. One looks to building a relationship with alumni to represent the important role that alumni have to ensure the future of the university and that students in the future will have the same opportunities that they had when they were here," Hamilton told The Guardian.
Hood, now ex-Vice Chancellor who held the position for five years, also gave a departing oration. His proposal to bring in business experts in place of academics on the governing body was rejected in a vote by the academics. In his speech, however, he highlighted that during his time as Vice-Chancellor from 2004 to 2009 total revenues grew by 71 percent to £844 million.
17/6/2008 The Guardian Confirmation of appointment by Anthea Lipsett.
20/6/2008 Royal Society of Chemistry interview.
1/10/2009 The Daily Telegraph report by Graeme Paton Oxford vice-chancellor: more bursaries for poor students.
1/10/2009 The Daily Mail's red-brick twist Red brick universities must offer more financial help to poorer students, says Oxford's new vice chancellor.
6/10/2009 The Oxford Mail follows the money Oxford University fund reaches £770m.
7/10/2009 The Times report by Nicola Woolcock Oxford vice-chancellor urges politicians to stop meddling in admissions.
7/10/2009 Report + photos of Hamilton's 'installation'.