A NEW vice-principal has been appointed at a city college to help lead its transition to full university status.

University College Worcester (UCW), in Henwick Grove, has announced that Prof Judith Elkin will be joining the staff from Monday, September 1.

She will replace Prof Dick Bryant, who is retiring at the end of this academic year.

She will leave her present role as dean of the faculty of computing, information and English at the University of Central England (UCE).

"The post attracted a large number of high-calibre applicants and I'm delighted we have been able to make such a first-class appointment," said UCW principal David Green.

"Judith will make a major contribution as we look to attain full university status.

"She has an excellent record as an academic leader and a senior manager at UCE and we welcome her considerable input in both areas."

The college should be confirmed as a university within the next year, and Prof Elkin is relishing the challenges at UCW.

"I'm delighted to be joining at such an exciting time in its life cycle and to be working with a dynamic principal in David Green," she said.

"The quality of the academic staff, the plans UCW has for the future and the immense potential I believe it possesses were just some of the reasons I decided this was a role I wanted to fill."

Prof Elkin plays an active role in education in the West Midlands as chairman of governors at North Birmingham College.