Former Vice Chancellor Receives Honorary Degree

Former Lancaster University Vice Chancellor, Professor Bill Ritchie has been awarded an honorary degree at the December degree ceremony this year. Professor Ritchie, who retired from his post as Vice Chancellor in 2002, was awarded a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, the University's Chancellor, at a ceremony at 5pm on the 3rd December.

Over forty years Professor William Ritchie has made a major contribution to the understanding of the physical geography of the coastline. His expertise was recognised when he chaired the public enquiry into the environmental impact of the Braer oil spill in Shetland. He has provided academic leadership as Vice-Principal of the University of Aberdeen from 1989, Senior Vice-Principal in 1992, and then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lancaster from 1995 to 2002. In this role he maintained the University’s high reputation for research and teaching in the face of severe financial pressure, built new relationships in Asia, and initiated the creation of the Lancaster Environment Centre.