News | 15 November 2023
Cardiff Metropolitan University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Rachael Langford FRSA as its new Vice-Chancellor and President from 1 February 2024.
Professor Rachael Langford
Professor Langford brings a wealth of experience and has a strong track record of effective leadership in higher education, both in her current role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff Met, and from previous senior roles at Oxford Brookes University and Cardiff University. Professor Langford’s relationships with the Deans, professional services Directors and colleagues across the University, and her close affinity with the student voice, will be a great strength in taking us forward over the next few years.
Professor Langford said: “I’m very much looking forward to continuing to work with colleagues to deliver the University’s ambitious strategic plans for the future, ensuring that Cardiff Met’s staff and students are well-placed to address the social, cultural, economic, and environmental challenges faced by Wales and the wider world.”
Prior to becoming Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff Met in September 2021, Professor Langford was Head of the School of Modern Languages at Cardiff University, and subsequently Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Oxford Brookes University.
Professor Langford has a first-class degree in Modern Languages from Oxford University, a PhD in French Cultural Studies from Cambridge University, and is a fluent Welsh speaker. Her research background lies in French and Francophone cultural studies, in particular colonial and post-colonial studies, visual culture and film studies from the nineteenth century onwards.
Professor Helen Langton, who was due to join Cardiff Met as Vice-Chancellor in April 2024, has withdrawn from the role for personal reasons.
Professor Langford will take up the position on 1 February 2024, following the retirement of the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cara Aitchison FAcSS, FRGS, FHEA, FWLA, FLSW.
