Dame Mary Archer re-appointed as Chancellor of The University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is delighted to announce the re-appointment of Dame Mary Archer for a second term as Chancellor, reaffirming her continued leadership at a landmark moment in the University’s history.
Dame Mary was formally installed for her second term during a special Convocation ceremony on Tuesday 24 February 2026, held at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Buckingham.
Her re-appointment coincides with the beginning of the University’s 50th Anniversary year, celebrating five decades of independent thinking, academic excellence, and innovation since it opened in 1976.
Dame Mary has served as Chancellor since 2020, guiding the University through a period of significant transformation and challenge, including the pandemic.
Interim Vice-Chancellor David Cole highlighted her strategic insight and generosity of spirit:
“Dame Mary has been a wonderful Chancellor. Her commitment to our students, her grace at every graduation ceremony, her wisdom in counsel, and her tireless advocacy for Buckingham in the wider world have exemplified everything this institution represents.”
“Her leadership and her unwavering support for the University’s continued growth have been invaluable. We are deeply honoured that she continues to serve as our Chancellor and to champion all that makes Buckingham exceptional.”
A distinguished academic, scientist, and public servant, Dame Mary began her career as a physical chemist, teaching at Oxford and Cambridge, with research focused on sustainable energy. She has held numerous national leadership roles, including Chair of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE) for services to the NHS.
Speaking about her re-appointment, Dame Mary said: “The University has a pioneering and student-oriented approach, and I am deeply honoured to remain its Chancellor as the University celebrates its 50th anniversary.”
Dame Mary Archer’s continued appointment reflects the University’s enduring commitment to its founding principles of academic excellence and student-centred learning, values that will be celebrated throughout Buckingham’s 50-year legacy.
About The University of Buckingham
The University of Buckingham is the oldest of Britain’s independent universities. It formally opened as University College at Buckingham in February 1976 by the Rt. Hon. Mrs Margaret Thatcher, MP, as former Secretary of State for Education. It had 67 students.
On 27 May 1967, The Times published a letter from Dr J. W. Paulley, which said, “Is it not time to examine the possibility of creating at least one new university in this country on the pattern of those great private foundations in the USA, without whose stimulus and freedom of action the many excellent state universities in that country would be so much poorer.” This idea was taken up by a number of people in the business and academic worlds and three London conferences followed, two in 1968 and one in early 1969.
A suitable site was found in Buckingham and on 29 March 1973 the University College at Buckingham was incorporated, in the form of a non-profit company registered as an educational charity. The then Council of Management held its first formal meeting on 3 April 1973, with its foundation stone laid in May 1974.
The University of Buckingham was incorporated by grant of Royal Charter in1983. As of 2026, the University has a student population of more than 3,800 students originating from more than 70 countries.
Buckingham pioneered the accelerated degree, but while the University was innovative in some respects, it was traditional in others: for example, the small-group academic tutorial system allows students to receive more individual attention than at many other universities. Buckingham recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its pioneering 4.5-year MB ChB Medicine programme, which develops students into highly skilled, safe and caring doctors, well equipped to progress in their chosen speciality.
Buckingham’s initial teacher training and educational leadership courses are amongst the most successful and accessible in the country, with flexible online study options. These attract over 1000 teachers and school leaders each year.
Open Days are held throughout the year, with opportunities to explore Buckingham’s riverside campus, view accommodation, hear from the Students’ Union, and ask students and staff questions about living and studying at the university.
During its 50th anniversary year the University will hold a programme of events, more information is available here.