Wrexham Glyndwr University has made huge strides financially and academically in the last 12 months.
At the Annual Open Meeting last Friday, Chair Maxine Penlington revealed the University has attained a 2% surplus of almost £1million after a “challenging” few years, and is on course to grow even further under Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar.
Speaking at the event – held at the Centre for the Creative Industries, she said: “We have achieved great success with a surplus for the first time since 2012.
“We recorded a 2% surplus of £900,000 and a cash balance of £2.3million, which is a really substantial transformation and represents the determination and resilience of staff.
“This also positions the University well for the future and sustainable success. We must never forget we are first and foremost committed to developing the economy and prosperity of Wales and our region, to create and support greater innovation and growth.
“Together we are dedicated to ensuring the future success of the University in support of the community of north east Wales.”
Professor Hinfelaar said that despite this good news the institution will not rest on its laurels and moves forward driving three key targets; an enriched learning environment, strong partnerships and a supportive student community.
“I am proud of the University’s successful year and we are now entering an exciting new phase in our history,” she said.
“We are in the process of developing a significant estates plan which will transform the campus, and there is a new ethos developing, with more staff talking to each other about teaching and learning and sharing best practice.
“Student engagement is vital to our teaching and learning strategy, and there has been no better example than the successful Creative Futures event, which took place this week. Can I again thank everyone involved for their hard work in organising the programme.”
Professor Hinfelaar added: “As a university renowned for widening access and participation we must make sure we expend our energies in a cohesive and committed manner by aligning with external partners, particularly local authorities.
“We must do the same here, and it’s been heartening to see that our new personal academic tutor system has already led to spectacular results in student retention.
“It’s been a very positive 12 months, and I’m confident that will continue in the years to come.”
The event came as the University discovered it had made the top 10 shortlist in the Courses and Lectures category of the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2017.
