Goldsmiths’ Warden announces departure

Patrick Loughrey, Warden of Goldsmiths, University of London, has announced his intention to retire within the next academic year.

Patrick joined Goldsmiths as Warden in April 2010 and recently oversaw the launch of a refreshed strategic plan to guide the College’s development over the next five years.

He said: “It’s been a great honour to be the Warden of Goldsmiths for the past eight years. This place is truly unique and there has never been a dull moment. There is relentless vigour and passion here in New Cross which I will miss very much.

“I have every confidence that Goldsmiths will continue to evolve to face the challenges of the future, helping equip students for a rapidly changing world of work, while staying true to its distinctive values.

“I will play an active part in navigating the College through this period of change and renewal.”

Dinah Caine, Chair of Council, said: “Patrick has served Goldsmiths with distinction, helping us navigate a period of unprecedented and continuing change in higher education. Now is not the time for a full tribute to all that he has done for Goldsmiths. But I know from our discussions that he retains a clear vision for the institution and an enthusiasm for driving forward our new strategy over the coming months.”

Patrick has led the academic community of over 9,000 students and around 1,500 staff, helping the College reach the top 25 institutions in the country for the quality of its research.

During his time as Warden, Goldsmiths has expanded its academic offer considerably, doubling the number of academic courses on offer, and growing into areas such as management, entrepreneurship and law.

It has also launched initiatives such as the Goldsmiths Prize for new fiction, the Open Book project to help non-traditional groups into higher education, and the recently-opened Goldsmiths Centre for Contemporary Art.

The College’s governing Council will appoint a search committee in the coming weeks to begin the process of appointing the next Warden. The committee will consult widely with relevant stakeholders, including across the local community and with industry, to help inform its decision making.

The Warden will serve at least six months’ notice before his retirement, with his exact leaving date to be confirmed once the process to appoint his successor has progressed.