Robert Burgess (sociologist)
| Sir Robert Burgess | |
|---|---|
|
Burgess at Thomas Erlebach's inaugural lecture on 2 December 2008 | |
| Born |
Robert George Burgess 23 April 1947 |
| Alma mater |
University of Warwick (PhD, 1981) University of Durham, (BA, 1971) |
| Spouse | Hilary Joyce (m. 1974) |
Sir Robert Burgess DL, FAcSS (born 23 April 1947) is a British sociologist and academic. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester in 1999, succeeding Ken Edwards. He was President of the British Sociological Association 1989-1991.[2] He is currently chair of the board of GSM London.[3]
Burgess received his BA degree from the University of Durham in 1971 and his PhD degree from the University of Warwick in 1981. He remained at Warwick as a lecturer and became Professor of Sociology in 1987. He then rose through the ranks, serving as Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor 1995–99.[1] Burgess then moved to the University of Leicester as Vice-Chancellor, introducing sweeping changes that enhanced the university's reputation and saw it enter the top-20 institutions in many league tables.[4]
Burgess is chair of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the Research Information Network,[5] and the UUK/Guild HE Teacher Education Advisory Group.[6] In 2007, Burgess chaired the steering group that produced the Burgess Report, calling for sweeping changes in university degree classification that would replace the established system of first- and second class degrees.[7][8][9]
Burgess was knighted in the 2010 New Year Honours.[10] He became an Academician of the Social Sciences in 2000. He received an Honorary DLitt degree from the University of Staffordshire in 1998 and a DUniv degree from the University of Northampton in 2007.[1]
He married Hilary Margaret Mary Joyce in 1974 and lists his recreations as walking, music and "some gardening".[1] Sir Bob and Lady Burgess live at Knighton Hall, the University of Leicester's traditional vice-chancellor's residence in Knighton, Leicester. Burgess's record in building both the university's academic reputation and its campus buildings have earned him the nickname Bob the Builder among his university colleagues.[11]
Burgess retired from the post of Vice-Chancellor in September 2014, at age 67.[12] He was succeeded by Professor Paul Boyle.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 BURGESS, Prof. Robert George’, Who's Who 2010, A & C Black, 2010; online edn, Oxford University Press, Dec 2009 ; online edn, Nov 2009 accessed 31 Dec 2009
- 1 2 "University welcomes new President and Vice-Chancellor". University of Leicester. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
- ↑ GSM London (April 2015). "Professor Sir Bob Burgess joins GSM London as chair of board". GSM London. Retrieved 2 July 2015.
- ↑ Services to education prominent in New Year honours list The Guardian, 31 December 2009
- ↑ Advisory Board – Research Information Network
- ↑ Teacher education - Policy areas - Policy and research - Universities UK
- ↑ Report outlines future reforms for degree classification, University of Leicester, 16 October 2007
- ↑ Burgess report on degrees will help employers, University of Bedfordshire, 18 October 2007
- ↑ Bob Burgess: I hope student records make degree classes obsolete, The Independent, 5 November 2009
- ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 59282. p. 1. 31 December 2009.
- ↑ "Bye bye Bob". The Tab. 23 September 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ↑ Dryden, Fiona (9 August 2014). "Retiring Professor Sir Robert Burgess reflects on his career at the University of Leicester".
| Academic offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Jennifer Platt |
President of the British Sociological Association 1989 - 1991 |
Succeeded by John Westergaard |
| Preceded by Ken Edwards |
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester 1999 - 2014 |
Succeeded by Paul Boyle |