The University of Bedfordshire has welcomed Professor Deborah Johnston MBE as its new Vice Chancellor.
Professor Johnston said: “I’m proud to join the University of Bedfordshire as its Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive. What’s already come through clearly is the strong sense of purpose here, and the commitment of staff to students in helping them prepare for success and the world of work.
“There’s also a real sense of community, with diversity and inclusion genuinely valued. There’s a lot to be proud of here and a strong foundation to build on. I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Professor Johnston who was previously Deputy Vice Chancellor at London South Bank University (LSBU), takes over the role from Professor Rebecca Bunting who retired in December. At LSBU Professor Johnston led a wide range of professional services supporting institutional growth, quality, and strategic development across both the University and LSBU Group – an integrated education group comprising the University, further education colleges and academies.
Before that she held the role of Pro-Director for Learning and Teaching at SOAS University of London.
Professor Johnston commented on her role: “This is personal for me. I was the first in my family to go to university, and it changed my life. Institutions like the University of Bedfordshire have a powerful role to play in making that difference.”
Professor Johnston is a Professor of Development Economics and has published more than 55 journal articles and four books. Her academic work focuses on inequality and poverty.
She grew up in Hounslow, Greater London, and was the first in her dual-heritage Irish/Pakistani family to attend university. She completed an undergraduate degree in Economics and an MPhil in the Economics and Politics of Development at Queens’ College, University of Cambridge, and a PhD in Economics at SOAS University of London.
A disability champion, Professor Johnston is a national leader for the Disabled Students Commitment and serves as Universities Disability and Access Ambassador for the Cabinet Office. She also holds a board position with a national stammering charity and, in 2024, was awarded an MBE for her work on stammering recognition in higher education.
