Vice-Chancellor, Oxford Brookes University

Professor Helen Laville stepped into the role of Vice-Chancellor at Oxford Brookes University on 1 August 2025, following her tenure as Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Kingston University.

Before joining Kingston in 2021, Professor Laville served as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she led the development of the university’s education strategy, focusing on improving student progression, retention, and closing degree awarding gaps.

She began her academic career at the University of Birmingham, where she held several leadership roles, including Head of Department and Head of the School of English, Drama and American and Canadian Studies. Her academic background is in post-war American history, with research interests spanning gender, international relations, civil rights, and Cold War film.

Professor Laville is a strong advocate for collaborative leadership, inclusive education, and integrated academic strategy, bringing together teaching, research, and enterprise to drive institutional success.