The appointment of Professor Tom Lawson as Vice Chancellor comes after an extensive and highly-competitive search
A new leader has been appointed to take forward the “remarkable institution” of The University of Hull. The Cottingham Road university has announced the appointment of Professor Tom Lawson as its next Vice-Chancellor, following a highly-competitive recruitment process.
Professor Lawson will take up the role in June 2026, coming to Hull from Northumbria University in Newcastle. The professor – a respected historian with more than 20 years’ experience in the sector – is a passionate advocate for higher education and the “transformative” powers universities have, as well as the vital role they play in changing lives and strengthening communities.
Professor Lawson has served for 13 years in senior leadership roles at Northumbria University, most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost. Before that he held leadership positions at the University of Winchester.
During his time at Northumbria, he has played a pivotal role in its transformation into a research-intensive modern university. He 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.”
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Professor Lawson started his academic career as Professor in Holocaust Studies at the University of Winchester before joining Northumbria University as Professor of History in 2013. He became Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Arts, Design and Social Sciences in 2016, where he has driven forward a transformation in research.
Four years ago he was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, leading the University’s planning process and strategy, while also driving forward a series of new initiatives. The University of Hull said the appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the institution as it builds on the outstanding progress it has made in recent years.
Its Chair of Council, George Garlick, said: “I am really excited to be welcoming Professor Lawson to the University as its new Vice-Chancellor. Professor Lawson has an outstanding record of achievement in successful universities and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. I am certain he will continue to build on the outstanding progress that we have made in the last few years.”
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