Last updated 16:55, Wednesday, 01 October 2008

THE University of Cumbria’s vice-chancellor, Professor Christopher Carr, is to step down from his position next April.

Professor Carr has handed in his resignation to the university’s board of directors.

He was appointed vice-chancellor of the University of Cumbria on its formation in August 2007 and has overseen plans for development of its plans for a campus in West Cumbria.

He said: “The creation of the University of Cumbria marks the pinnacle of my career and one which I have found very rewarding and for which I feel privileged and honoured to have been part of.

“Although I shall be sorry to leave higher education and the university, there are many other things I want to do.

“Now is the time to hand over the baton of leading this university of which I am very proud into being a leading-edge university for now and in the future.”

Originally from York, Professor Carr was previously principal at St Martin’s College in Carlisle for nine years.

His career in higher education began after he won a scholarship to study law at Oxford University.

The process will now begin to find a replacement to take up the post of vice-chancellor from May 2009.