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.
