Frances Corner will step down as vice-chancellor of Goldsmiths, University of London at the end of the 2025-26 academic year.?
Corner, who has led the institution since 2019, was Goldsmith's first female warden and vice-chancellor. The news was shared with staff in an email on 16 September.
“Goldsmiths is a truly special place, and it has been a privilege and huge source of personal pride to have been the first woman to lead the institution,” Corner told colleagues.
“I am thankful for the important projects I’ve been part of alongside talented and dedicated colleagues – from the establishment of the Migrant Futures Institute and our endowment, to the Equity Awards and Civic University Agreement – as well as our ongoing commitment to the arts, humanities and social sciences at a time when these vital subjects remain under threat and undervalued by many.”
Corner’s leadership has been marked by both innovation and turbulence.
She has overseen new initiatives designed to bolster the institution’s profile and sustainability, including the launch of an endowment fund supported by a ?4 million art donation, alongside a ?2 million cash gift.
But?Goldsmiths faced a “significant” deficit this year, with Corner warning that government cuts to the strategic priorities grant – costing the institution ?87,000 – came on top of a ?1.3 million rise in its national insurance bill.
Falling student recruitment has further compounded the shortfall.
In May, she told staff the university was in a “regrettable” position, with voluntary severance, a promotion freeze and professional services restructuring among the measures brought forward to balance the books.
Goldsmiths University and College Union (UCU) described the proposals as “self-destructive cost-cutting measures that have damaged institutions, overworked staff and impoverished resources for students”.
Industrial tensions have been accompanied by reputational challenges.
Under Corner’s leadership, Goldsmiths launched the first independent inquiry by a UK university into antisemitism and its prevention on campus.
Corner emphasised that the investigation responded to a national rise in antisemitism rather than specific incidents at the college and aimed to maintain a safe and supportive environment for Jewish students and staff.?
Goldsmiths’ council, the university’s governing body, has begun the process of recruiting a successor. As with previous senior appointments, the process will involve consultation with staff and student unions as well as the wider community.
Tom Sleigh, chair of council, paid tribute to Corner: “Our thanks go to Professor Corner who has shown bold leadership during difficult times for universities – from the pandemic to the ongoing financial challenges facing our sector – while always making the case for creative and critical education.”
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