University is newest member of national collaborative higher education group
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has joined University Alliance, becoming the mission group’s newest member.
University Alliance is a group of universities working together to shape higher education and research policy for the benefit of our students and business and civic partners - a group of institutions which prides itself on connections and partnerships with industry, employers and professions.
With its main campus in the city of Preston, UCLan is one of the UK’s largest universities with a student and staff community approaching 40,000. With a reputation for applied knowledge, UCLan has a fast-growing School of Medicine renowned for its innovative teaching methods.
In December, the University was announced a partner of the Northern Powerhouse – one of 40 businesses, universities and other organisations pledging to support its delivery and drive forward the regional economic agenda.
"The addition of UCLan, a university with a proud history, strong civic mission and a focus closely aligned to the needs of the economy, will help us as we continue to go from strength to strength as a group of institutions."
Professor John Latham, Chair of University Alliance and Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said: “It is great news that UCLan is joining University Alliance and we warmly welcome them.
“At a time when the higher education sector faces huge challenges - but also great opportunities – coming together, collaborating and working collectively gives our members a stronger voice and supports us to innovate.
“The addition of UCLan, a university with a proud history, strong civic mission and a focus closely aligned to the needs of the economy, will help us as we continue to go from strength to strength as a group of institutions.”
"I look forward to working with colleagues across the University Alliance network to influence and shape education, health, energy and industrial policy in what is a fascinating period not just for universities, but for the country as a whole."
Professor Mike Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of UCLan, said: “I’m delighted that the University of Central Lancashire is joining the University Alliance. At this time of epoch-defining change in higher education, I truly believe that we will do better if we’re working alongside like-minded universities than we will as individual institutions.
“The Alliance emphasis on universities for cities and regions is very much in tune with our role as a civic, anchor institution – a university for the whole of Lancashire.
“I look forward to working with colleagues across the University Alliance network to influence and shape education, health, energy and industrial policy in what is a fascinating period not just for universities, but for the country as a whole.”
For more information about the University Alliance please see :www.unialliance.ac.uk/research.