VC honoured for educational excellence

Professor Gipps graduated from the University of Bristol in 1968 and returned there on Monday (JUL13), where she was presented with a Doctor of Laws at a formal ceremony.

She said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by your former university and I am delighted to receive this award.”

Professor Gipps has developed a distinguished research career both in the UK and Canada.

After gaining her Psychology BSc, she spent two years as a primary school teacher in Bristol before moving into an educational research post.

As a full-time researcher, she undertook many significant projects, underpinned by her long-standing commitment to widening access, including the achievement of girls and ethnic minority pupils, children with special needs and e-learning. She is an international expert in educational assessment.

Professor Gipps became a lecturer then Professor and Head of Department at the University of London Institute of Education. She was Dean of Research before moving to be Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Kingston University.

In 2005, she became the University of Wolverhampton’s first female Vice-Chancellor.

Under her leadership, the University has achieved the highest level of commendation for teaching and learning in an assessment by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), which reviews all UK higher education institutions.

The University was also highly successful in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE), which assesses the quality of research in universities and colleges in the UK. Many elements were rated four-star, equivalent to world leading.

Judith Squires, Professor of Political Theory at the University of Bristol, said: “Caroline Gipps’ experience since leaving Bristol offers a wonderful insight into how it is possible to capitalise on university experience, pursue a high-powered and fulfilling career and also give something back to society.”

She said Professor Gipps was a model to all in her determination to do the best for the University of Wolverhampton.

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