PROFESSOR Tim Wheeler, one of the UK’s longest-serving vice-chancellors when he retired from the University of Chester at the end of 2019, has stood down as a director of Warrington & Vale Royal Chamber of Commerce.
Professor Wheeler, 70, had been at the helm at the University for more than two decades and an active member of the Chamber for much of that time.
Citing his retirement as his decision to stand down Prof Wheeler said: “I am sure that the interests of the Chamber and the University will be best served in having a member, although serving in a personal capacity, who is a current
university employee and can interface between the two bodies on matters of mutual interest.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed being associated with the Chamber since 2003. I have particularly fond memories of being President of the Chamber for three years and attending the numerous Bank of England briefing meetings. It was also a
great forum for meeting key players in the local economy and consolidating my friendship with Colin Daniels. The future of the Chamber is in excellent hands with the new chief executive.”
During his career Prof Wheeler brought through rapid change that saw Chester College transformed into the University of Chester with its own degree-awarding powers.
Student numbers also grew massively with new campuses added at Kingsway, Queen’s Park and Riverside in Chester, Warrington and Shrewsbury.
Professor Wheeler, who was the institution’s principal then its first Vice-Chancellor.
A keen supporter of the local community, he was also a School Governor and FE Corporation Governor for over 30 years and is actively involved with Chester Cathedral as a Lay Canon.
On the civic stage, he is a Deputy Lieutenant for Cheshire, a Freeman of the City of London and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers.
Professor Wheeler is married with three daughters and one grand-daughter and enjoys music, theatre and the arts.