THE new vice-chancellor of York St John University has described it as a “true gem” with the strength to tackle tough times ahead.

Professor David Fleming has wide experience of university leadership, most recently as deputy vice-chancellor of Sunderland University.

He also worked for a number of years in professional practice in the commercial sector before entering education.

In a message to staff and students, Prof Fleming expressed his delight at becoming the university’s second vice-chancellor.

He said: “York St John is a true gem and it is an enormous privilege to be taking up this position in a university which has built a strong reputation and engendered a high regard for its educational delivery.

“These are challenging times for the sector and it is likely that they will become much tougher.

“However, at York St John we can tackle these issues from a position of strength underpinned by strong guiding values and community ethos from both staff and students. We have invested in our award-winning campus, in teaching and learning, the development of a research base, as well as through our regional engagement and strategic drive for internationalisation.

“This effort has paid dividends, and this year alone we have experienced a 34 per cent increase in student applications accompanied by a huge growth in interest from international markets.” Professor Fleming takes from Professor Dianne Willcocks, who led York St John for 11 years.