Following an election among two candidates for UCML Chair, we are delighted to announce that the new Chair of UCML will be Prof Emma Cayley at the University of Leeds. Emma is a former member of the UCML Executive Committee, Vice Chair, External Engagement and Communications. She will take up the role at the end of July. A formal announcement will be made at the AGM on July 9th.
Her nomination statement reads:
We have grown together as a sector over the last few years in our mission to define, promote and defend our disciplines against the all too present spectre of cuts and redundancies. That sense of a unified voice for Modern Languages is key to entering an uncertain future with confidence in our collective power. As Chair I would deepen that sense of community, strengthening links with the AULC, the British Academy, the secondary level, and non-ML associations. Within UCML I would further harness the experience of the Executive Committee in recognising the different situations of the devolved nations.
I have considerable leadership experience in the sector, as Head of Languages at Exeter, now as Head of School at Leeds, working across the spectrum of UK HE language provision, including IWLPs and English Language activity.
Currently Vice-Chair for UCML, I am delighted to apply for the privilege of serving as Chair.
