ARTS University Bournemouth (AUB) vice chancellor Paul Gough has announced he will step down due to ill health. 

The professor has been in his role since January 2020, but he took a period of medical leave at the end of the summer term this year.  

Upon returning to his duties at the university in the autumn, Paul discovered he required further treatment and took the decision to retire on December 31. 

Lisa Mann, who’s been acting vice chancellor during Paul’s first treatment in the summer, has been appointed by the board as his replacement until July 2026. 

A statement from AUB said: “The university’s board was very sorry to be informed of Paul’s news, but fully respects and endorses his decision to prioritise his own health and wellbeing.” 

Lisa joined AUB in 2022 as executive director of innovation before her position as acting vice-chancellor. 

Established in 1883, AUB is a creative specialist arts institution offering courses in art, design media and performance. 

More than 12 per cent of AUB’s research now being classed as ‘world-leading’ with a further 42 per cent being classed ‘internationally excellent’, according to REF 2021.