Salford announced that Professor Hall is to retire on 30 June next year. However, it also revealed that deputy vice-chancellor Helen Marshall will become acting vice-chancellor on 1 January, as well as taking on some duties with immediate effect.

Beverley Hughes, chair of council at Salford, said: ¡°In order to ensure continuity of leadership Professor Helen Marshall will take over all internal line management responsibilities from today and will become acting vice-chancellor on 1 January when Professor Hall will take sabbatical leave until his retirement in June next year.

¡°The process for appointing a new vice-chancellor will begin immediately in the new year.¡±

Salford said in its press release that Professor Hall will be returning to South Africa ,where he is professor emeritus at the University of Cape Town, having previously served as deputy vice-chancellor there.

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Salford said he has ¡°led the university through the commissioning of the new MediaCityUK campus and in the renewal of the Peel Park campus¡±, while his ¡°contribution to learning, teaching and the development of education policy and practice has been recognised through the award of a principal fellowship by the Higher Education Academy¡±.

Professor Hall said: ¡°It has been a privilege to work and live in Salford and to have been able to contribute to the university¡¯s continuing success. Our students and staff are an inspiration to all who believe in universities and their role in society.¡±

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Baroness Hughes said: ¡°Professor Hall has made a significant contribution to the university¡¯s continuing commitment to provide the best possible opportunities for our students and in developing a distinctive and valued profile in research, enterprise and the enhancement of professional practice. We wish him well in his retirement.¡±

john.morgan@tesglobal.com