UWC Atlantic College, the founding institution of the international UWC education movement, has appointed Professor Sir Adrian Webb to its Board of Governors.
Sir Adrian takes the role of Governor, Chair of Education and Pastoral Committee at the south Wales-based residential international college. The college is globally recognised for its lead role in the creation and ongoing development of the International Baccalaureate.
Following his graduation from London School of Economics, the Professor’s academic career began there as a lecturer in 1966 and he then secured a professorship at Loughborough University in 1976. His career has seen Sir Adrian hold a number of senior positions across the UK, including deputy vice-chancellor at Loughborough University and vice-chancellor of Glamorgan University.
Throughout his academic career he also held many advisory and related roles in local and central government, including in the departments of Health, Education, Justice, HM Treasury and, since 1993, in the Wales. In 1994 he was appointed director of research at the Personal Social Services Council.
In 2001, Professor Webb received a knighthood for services to higher education, before his retirement from Glamorgan University in 2005. Since then, he has held an array of non-executive management roles in Welsh public life spanning the education, health, not-for-profit and charitable sectors. Today, he is chair of the Big Lottery Fund Wales Committee and a non-executive director on the UK board, a non-executive director of the Wales Government Board, and chair of the Public Policy Institute, Wales.
Commenting on his appointment, Professor Sir Adrian Webb, said: “I am very pleased to be joining the non-executive team at Atlantic College at an exciting time in its development. I came to know a little of the College’s ethos and work some years ago as a member of its Estates Committee and I greatly look forward to being involved in a more substantial way.”
Professor Jonathan Michie, chair of the Board of Governors at UWC Atlantic College welcomed Professor Sir Adrian Webb, saying: “We are honoured to have someone of Sir Adrian Webb’s calibre join our Board of Governors. There are few individuals in the UK who can match the educational expertise and experience he can bring to our college.
UWC Atlantic College is home to around 350 international students, and many travel to us from areas of intense conflict. Ensuring they receive the highest standards of pastoral care is of paramount importance to us here – Professor Jonathan Michie UWC Atlantic College Board of Governors chair
“UWC Atlantic College is home to around 350 international students, and many travel to us from areas of intense conflict. Ensuring they receive the highest standards of pastoral care is of paramount importance to us here. I believe that Sir Adrian will play a pivotal role in ensuring that we continue to meet and exceed these goals.”
The professor’s appointment comes as UWC Atlantic College welcomes new and returning students to its St Donat’s castle campus on the ruggedly picturesque south Wales coastline. That 350 strong student cohort represents around 90 nationalities and cultures from across the globe.
During their two years at the college these students will study the Atlantic Diploma and co-curricular programme. The bespoke curriculum allows students to split their time equally between their International Baccalaureate studies and a host of experiential activities, which are aligned to the wider mission of the UWC movement.
