Retirement of John Cater

That this House congratulates John Cater on fifty years of service to the higher education sector, including thirty years leading Edge Hill University, making him the longest-serving vice chancellor in UK higher education; thanks him for his dedication to higher education, widening access to education, and the student experience; recognises his achievements over the last five decades, notably his stewardship of Edge Hill’s institutional development from a medium-sized college into a University with a student population of more than 14,000 and a range of disciplines and fields of research; notes the significant development in the physical infrastructure of the institution’s campus during his tenure, with over £350m invested in facilities; recognises the economic impact of the University under John’s leadership, with an estimated £175.9m contributed in a given year principally in the north of England; pays tribute to John for his values-driven approach to leadership, which has been reflected in the mission and work of the institution; and wishes John a relaxing and very well-deserved retirement.