65-year-old Barker takes over at TVU

The task of rescuing the "failing" Thames Valley University has gone to Kenneth Barker. His appointment as TVU's new vice-chancellor was announced this week, two weeks after The THES predicted his appointment. Professor Barker, who at 65 had said he would retire after more than 12 years at the helm of De Montfort University, takes up the post early next month. He will have to implement a radical recovery plan after the university's management and quality was heavily criticised by the Quality Assurance Agency.

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