Marjon officially welcomes Vice-Chancellor in Inauguration Ceremony

Released: 13.07.23

Plymouth Marjon University formally welcomed its new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Claire Taylor, in her Inauguration Ceremony held this week on Wednesday 12 July 2023 in the University’s Chapel.

The University’s Chancellor and former Bishop of Plymouth Rt. Reverend Nick McKinnel presented the new Vice-Chancellor to Marjon in a formal ceremony which saw Professor Claire Taylor receive the Articles of Association and outline her vision for the future of the University.

Attendees included the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, the Lord Mayor of Plymouth, staff, and alumni of the University, some of whom graduated from the then College of St Mark and St John more than 50 years ago.

Towards the end of the ceremony, Professor Claire Taylor delivered her first speech at the University’s official Vice-Chancellor:

“Plymouth Marjon is rated top in England for social inclusion and highly for student satisfaction, the University has faithfully continued the inclusive approach of our founders for over 180 years. So, it’s an absolute honour for me to be here, standing on the shoulders of giants, looking to continue their mission to aim high, to think big, to exercise radical leadership, just as Kay-Shuttleworth and Coleridge did, in order to be part of shaping a more socially just and inclusive society.

“I want Plymouth Marjon University to be a beacon of opportunity and possibility for the people of Plymouth, the region and beyond. I believe it’s important that we grow and create an environment that can support more learners into and through a university education. I firmly expect us to have a special role to play in the fabric of our City and especially to develop further as a significant community asset for the North of the City – providing sporting, health and cultural facilities for all to benefit from.

“My vision for the University is to be a people-centred, digitally-enabled connected community – learning, teaching, researching and working creatively and courageously in partnership with those who share our commitment to social justice and eradicating inequalities. Building on the past, we will continue to make a difference, push boundaries and seek to do best what matters most. I am excited about what the future holds.”

In the ceremony, Professor Taylor was presented with three important items that symbolise the University’s powerful history – a Bible to represent the University’s Church of England Foundation and the strong values the institution holds, a key to the site where the newly amalgamated College of St Mark and St John opened 100 years ago, and a book written by the first principle of the College of St Mark, Derwent Coleridge, in 1862 which highlighted the need for a more socially mobile society.

You can view a recording of the Inauguration Ceremony here