Vice-Chancellor announces retirement

Dr Ben Calvert, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the University of South Wales Group, has announced his intention to retire in Summer 2026 at the end of his first term.

Dr Calvert has led the University through a period of profound change and ongoing transformation. Throughout his tenure, Ben has been driven by a deep commitment to expanding access and opportunity – rooted in his own experience as the first in his family to attend university, and his strong belief in the transformative power of education. He has played a pivotal role in shaping a forward-looking approach to curriculum design and strengthening partnerships between academia and industry.

Prior to being appointed as Vice-Chancellor in 2021, Dr Calvert held multiple positions at the University since joining in 2015 including Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Learning, Teaching, and Student Experience.  

Supporting the wider Higher Education sector and economic development, Dr Calvert is Chair of Global Wales, Vice Chair of Universities Wales, and sits on the Board of Trustees at UCAS, University Alliance, and CBI Wales Council.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to retire next Summer at the end of my first term in office,” said Dr Ben Calvert.

“It has been an honour to serve this incredible University, and I am proud of the impact we make, day in, day out, on the people and communities we serve.”

Louise Evans, Chair of the USW Board of Governors, said: “We are deeply grateful to Ben for his leadership, dedication, and vision through one of the toughest external environments the Higher Education sector has faced. His contribution to the University of South Wales will have a lasting impact, and we wish him all the very best for the future.”

The University of South Wales Board of Governors will now begin the search for a new Vice-Chancellor to take over the leadership of the University and intend to make a decision on an appointment in the Autumn.