“I am excited and honoured to have been elected as Chair of the ACU Council. University partnerships are crucial to both cross-cultural understanding and ensuring the great issues of our time are adequately addressed. I have no doubt that the ACU will play a major role in the years ahead.”
Professor Edward Byrne, President and Principal of King’s College London
30 July 2019
President and Principal appointed Chair of Council of international higher education network
Professor Edward Byrne, King’s College London’s President and Principal, has been elected as the new Chair of Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
In line with King’s Vision2029, the ACU is a global organisation dedicated to building a better world through higher education. International collaboration is central to its ambition, bringing universities together from around the world to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds, and improve lives.
Dr Joanna Newman, ACU Chief Executive and Secretary General, said: ‘I am delighted that Professor Byrne has been elected as our new Chair of Council. King's has been a member of the ACU since 1985, and our shared interests in common areas – from supporting access to higher education for refugees, to advancing peace and reconciliation efforts across the Commonwealth – will greatly contribute to the success of the ACU and our ambition to build a better world through higher education’.
The ACU champions higher education as a cornerstone of stronger societies, supporting its members, partners, and stakeholders as they adapt to a changing world by being: a catalyst for positive change; a platform for collaboration; and a champion of higher education.
The ACU Council is responsible for overseeing the ACU’s activities and determining its future strategic direction, while ensuring compliance with the laws of England, the ACU's Charter, Statutes and Regulations, and the ACU's core policies and procedures relating to governance.
Professor Byrne succeeds Professor Amit Chakma, immediate past President of Western University, Canada in the role.