George Holmes (vice-chancellor)
George Holmes | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Academic administrator |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Employer | University of Bolton |
| Honours | Order of Saint Agatha |
| Website | www.bolton.ac.uk |
George Edward Thomas Holmes DL (born 1 May 1961) is a British academic administrator, previously serving[1] as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Greater Manchester (2006-2025).
Life
Son of a Yorskhire property developer,[2][3] Holmes graduated with a BSc in Economics (Londin), before receiving a Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) then an Honorary Doctorate of Education (Hon Ed.D.) from Bolton University.[4]
Principal of Doncaster College,[4] then Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of North London (now London Metropolitan University),[4] Holmes has served as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bolton since 2006.[3]
Elected a Fellow of the Institute of Directors,[4][5][6] Holmes serves as a DL for Greater Manchester since 2015,[7] and was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Agatha by the Republic of San Marino in 2021 "for charitable work".[8]
In 1991 he married Elizabeth Chappell.
In 2025, whistleblowers from the University of Greater Manchester alerted online newspaper The Mill to unusual financial activities between Holmes and a senior university executive named Joseph Wheeler.[9][10] Following the article, local MP Phil Brickell wrote to the Education Secretary and the Office for Students "asking for an independent and thorough investigation into the university".[10] The University of Greater Manchester confirmed that Wheeler had left the university "with immediate effect" on 7 February 2025 following separate allegations of racism.[11][12] Following this, it was announced on 13 May 2025 that Holmes had been suspended as Vice-Chancellor.
References
- ^ "University of Greater Manchester suspends vice chancellor". BBC News. 13 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ www.homesbyholmes.co.uk
- ^ a b Bounds, Andy; Warrell, Helen (1 August 2017). "Yacht-owning university chief defends high salaries". Financial Times. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
- ^ a b c d "Professor George E T Holmes DL". University of Bolton. Retrieved 1 August 2017.
- ^ Grove, Jack (6 June 2018). "Bentley-driving Vice-Chancellor pockets £66K pay rise". Times Higher Education Supplement.
- ^ www.iod.com
- ^ www.manchesterlieutenancy.org
- ^ Holmes, George (14 October 2021). "Cavaliere Commendatore Professor George Holmes DL receives the Order of Saint Agatha". Consulate of San Marino. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
- ^ Simpson, Mollie; Herrmann, Joshi (19 February 2025). "The Casablanca Deal: Secret contracts and unexplained payments at the University of Greater Manchester". The Mill. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
- ^ a b Simpson, Mollie (23 February 2025). "Whistleblowers and secret helpers: How our investigation into the University of Greater Manchester came together". The Mill. Retrieved 23 February 2025.
- ^ Chaudhari, Saiqa (10 February 2025). "University of Greater Manchester manager leaves after allegations made". The Bolton News. Retrieved 25 February 2025.
- ^ Berry, Jessica (14 February 2025). "Senior figure at Greater Manchester Uni left 'with immediate effect' after racism allegations". The Tab. Retrieved 25 February 2025.