The University of Bedfordshire has officially welcomed Professor Deborah Johnston MBE as its new vice chancellor and chief executive.
Professor Johnston takes over leadership of the university from Professor Rebecca Bunting, who retired in December, and arrives with a background in higher education leadership, research and widening access to university education.
Before joining Bedfordshire, Professor Johnston served as deputy vice chancellor at London South Bank University, where she oversaw a range of services supporting growth, academic quality and strategic development across the university and its wider education group. She previously held the position of pro-director for learning and teaching at SOAS University of London.
Speaking after taking up her new role, Professor Johnston said she had already been struck by the university’s culture and commitment to its students.
“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 said her own experience as the first member of her family to attend university had shaped her belief in the transformative power of higher education.
“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.”
A professor of development economics, Professor Johnston’s academic work focuses on poverty and inequality. She has published more than 55 journal articles and four books during her career.
Raised in Hounslow, west London, she was the first member of her dual-heritage Irish and Pakistani family to attend university. She studied economics at the University of Cambridge before completing a PhD at SOAS University of London.
Alongside her academic career, Professor Johnston is a prominent advocate for disabled students. She is a national leader for the Disabled Students Commitment and serves as Universities Disability and Access Ambassador for the Cabinet Office. She also sits on the board of a national stammering charity and was awarded an MBE in 2024 for her work to improve recognition of stammering in higher education.
Her appointment comes as the University of Bedfordshire continues to climb national league tables and expand its research, teaching and student support programmes.
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