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UWC Atlantic College, the Llantwit Major-based international sixth-form college, has announced the appointment of the economist Professor Jonathan Michie as chair of its board of governors. Professor Michie has served as president of Kellogg College for the past seven years, in which time it has become the University of Oxford’s largest and most international graduate college. He will replace Stephen Cox – the former executive director of the Royal Society – on 1 July.
Cox's five-year tenure saw the founding college of the United World College movement celebrate its 50th anniversary, create the Atlantic Diploma – a new qualification which includes an extensive co-curricular programme – and embark on a major capital renewal programme. Cox also hosted visitors including Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and Queen Noor of Jordan.
Reflecting on his time as chair, Cox said: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of the board. I personally benefitted so much from a life-changing experience as a student at the college in the early 1960s and I wanted to ensure that current and future students experience an education that is equally life-changing and relevant to the issues they will face in the modern world. I am glad to say that I have seen the college rise to the challenge.
“As I complete my term of office I am confident that the college, its board and dynamic leadership team, have found a chair who is as committed to the UWC ethos as I am; and I wish Jonathan every success in his tenure.”
A UWC Atlantic College alumnus since graduating in 1975, Professor Michie’s academic career has seen him read philosophy, politics and economics at Oxford, before achieving his master’s in economics from Queen Mary College and DPhil from the University of Oxford. As well as serving as president of Kellogg College, he is also currently professor of innovation and knowledge exchange and director of the department for continuing education.
Commenting on Professor Jonathan Michie’s succession, the principal of UWC Atlantic College John Walmsley said: “On behalf of the whole college I would like to thank Stephen for the expertise, dedication and passion he has provided during his service as chair of our board of governors. His guidance over the last five years has helped us reach major milestones.
“It seems fitting that, like his predecessor, our new chair is an alumnus who spent part of his formative years at St Donat’s Castle. His career in the interim has been illustrious. Jonathan returns with a wealth of expertise developed from an academic and professional career in some of the world’s most prestigious universities. We are privileged to have him return to the college and look forward to his leadership guiding us towards an even brighter future.”
Professor Michie will assume overall responsibility for the board to ensure its continued guidance and support of the college’s mission, values and charitable objectives. Working in partnership with fellow governors, the college’s principal and senior leadership team, he will assist with the further development and monitoring of the strategic direction of UWC Atlantic College.
Commenting on his appointment, Michie said: “It is an honour to be re-joining the UWC Atlantic College community as chair of the board of governors. My time as a student at the college has served as the foundation of my academic and professional career. As chair, my role will be to build upon UWC Atlantic College’s rich history, its unique mission and pioneering work. My unwavering focus will always be to aid my fellow governors, the college’s leadership, its staff, students, alumni and friends in the development of new initiatives that broadcast our shared vision of international understanding to the world.”
