Professor Tom Lawson
The University of Hull is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Tom Lawson as its next Vice-Chancellor, following an extensive and highly competitive recruitment process. Professor Lawson will take up the role in June 2026.
Professor Lawson is a passionate advocate for the higher education sector and deeply believes in the transformative power of universities and the vital role they play in changing lives and strengthening communities. His appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the University as it builds on the outstanding progress it has made in recent years.
A highly respected historian with more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, Professor Lawson joins Hull from Northumbria University, where he has served for 13 years in senior leadership roles, most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost. Prior to this, he held leadership positions at the University of Winchester.
Professor Lawson said: “I am immensely proud and feel incredibly privileged to have been given the opportunity to lead the University of Hull. It is a remarkable institution, which makes an extraordinary contribution both to its region and to the challenges that we face globally. The University has such a rich history, about which I am keen to learn more, and I am hugely excited about the future for this outstanding community of staff and students.”
The University of Hull looks forward to welcoming Professor Lawson in June 2026 as it continues to deliver on its strategic ambitions.