BATH
Straight men no longer need to prove their heterosexual credentials thanks to a general decrease in homophobia, says Eric Anderson.
Dr Anderson, who has joined Bath University as lecturer in coach education and sports development, has written books on gay male athletes and an autobiography about his life as America's first openly gay sports coach.
"Masculinity is softening, (it is) less rigid and less macho than a few years ago," said Dr Anderson, who has also starred as The Professor in US reality TV show The Real Gilligan's Island .
He was happy to move to the UK. "I became fed up with polarised thinking in the US, the gluttony and (President George W.) Bush, in particular his use of gay marriage as a vote-puller."
But he has noticed one peculiarity. "With gay friends in New York, the conversation is usually about sex, but in Bath it's about which school we went to."
IN
Saiful Islam , professor of chemistry, moves from Surrey University.
Richard Whitman will become professor of politics in April, moving from the Royal Institute for International Affairs in London.
James Betts joins as teaching fellow in sport and exercise science, from Loughborough University.
OUT
Mark Enright , senior research fellow in the department of biology and biochemistry, is leaving for Imperial College London.
Anthony Smith , head of pharmacy and pharmacology, is to become dean of London School of Pharmacy.
Maged Boulos , lecturer in healthcare informatics, is joining Plymouth University.