Spurgeon’s College, one of the UK’s leading Christian Colleges based in South Norwood is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Sir Leslie Ebdon as the new Chair of the College. As the former Director of Fair Access to Higher Education, Prof Sir Les Ebdon has a wealth of experience in promoting inclusivity across higher education institutions and will play a key role in developing the College’s work to increase educational opportunity in Croydon and achieve its ambition of becoming the first home-grown university in Croydon.
Prior to his appointment, Prof Sir Les Ebdon has worked in a variety of roles across higher education, including as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire between 2006 and 2012 and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Luton between 2003 and 2006. During his tenure as Director of Fair Access to Higher Education, he worked to increase the number of students from under-represented and disadvantaged groups attending universities and colleges. He has also been on the Spurgeon’s College Board for over two years.
As Spurgeon’s welcomes Prof Sir Les Ebdon’s appointment, the College wants to thank its outgoing Chair, Sarah King. Since her appointment as Chair in 2012, Sarah has provided the College with invaluable guidance and support, helping the College to secure registration with the Office for Students. She was also instrumental in the institution strategy of the College seeking full degree awarding powers, as it journeys to become the first home-grown university in Croydon.
Speaking on his appointment, Prof Sir Les Ebdon said: “I am delighted to be working with Spurgeon’s College at this important time in its development. The College has become a ceaseless advocate for expanding access to education and supporting the development of its local Croydon community, and I am excited to be able to support it in these missions as the College’s new Chair.”
Principal of Spurgeon’s College, Philip McCormack said:? “We are very pleased to be welcoming Prof Sir Les Ebdon as the new Chair of Spurgeon’s College. His vast experience across higher education will be a vital asset as the College continues to pursue its ambition of becoming the first homegrown university in Croydon, and as we continue to focus on expanding access to higher education in Croydon.”
“On behalf of the whole College, I also want to say thank you to our outgoing Chair, Sarah King who has worked tirelessly to support the development and strategic mission of the College. I know that all of us wish Sarah all the best for the future and I have no doubt that her extensive experience working in the higher education sector will continue to be brought to the fore.”
