THE AMBITIOUS vice chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University says he is hoping to increase its profile across the world ahead of the university's 21st birthday celebrations.
Professor Michael Thorne, 61, an author, editor, musician and proud father-of-three, said the uni already boasts schools in Trinidad and Tobago and Malaysia, as well as the campuses in Chelmsford and Cambridge.
Yet in five years' time Prof Thorne, who has been at the university since 2007, hopes to champion more international research.
"For me it's about continuing on that path we have put a huge amount of effort into," said the 61-year-old of Rivenhall.
"I want to continue championing our research and I am hoping the government, when they publish our research, I hope we will come to see that Anglia Ruskin has moved forward massively. I want to move forward internationally."
Prof Thorne, a University College London graduate, said Anglia Ruskin was "quite the nicest" place he has worked.
He said his colleagues were supportive when his wife of 39 years died of cancer in November 2011.
"Colleagues were unbelievably supportive – we were living through it all here," he said.
Of the upcoming 21st anniversary, marking the development of the new Chelmsford campus in 1992, he said: "It's an exciting time for us.
"We'll be celebrating the day John Ruskin opened the Cambridge School of Art in October 29, 1858, because that's where it has its origins."
The University has spent £80 million in the past five years and plans to spend £90 million in the next five years.
All former students and staff of the university, the old Anglia Polytechnic or even prior institutions such as the Mid-Essex Technical College, Chelmer Institute and Essex Institute of HE, are invited to attend a celebratory ceremony on June 15.
This event will feature a buffet lunch and a drinks reception.
There will also be a talk by the university chancellor Lord Ashcroft.
