Robert Burgess (sociologist)
Sir Robert Burgess | |
---|---|
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 George 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
- ^ a b c d 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
- ^ a b "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
- ^ "No. 59282". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2009. p. 1.
- ^ "Bye bye Bob". The Tab. 23 September 2013. Archived from the original on 20 December 2013. Retrieved 20 December 2013.
- ^ Dryden, Fiona (9 August 2014). "Retiring Professor Sir Robert Burgess reflects on his career at the University of Leicester".
- 1947 births
- Living people
- Academics of the University of Leicester
- Alumni of the College of the Venerable Bede, Durham
- Alumni of the University of Warwick
- British sociologists
- Comprehensive education
- Deputy Lieutenants of Leicestershire
- Fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences
- Knights Bachelor
- People from Knighton, Leicester
- People from Sturminster Newton
- Presidents of the British Sociological Association
- UCAS
- Vice-Chancellors of the University of Leicester