Professor William Lynch named Webster University’s London
Resident Director
Webster University has named
Professor William J. Lynch the new Resident Director of the
University’s programs at Regent’s College, London, replacing
Professor David J. Parrish who has held the position since
January 2005. Lynch was hired at the end of a three month
search process including interviews and reviews of many highly
qualified candidates by the committee.
Lynch is currently Professor of Voice in the Leigh Gerdine
College of Fine Arts, serves as President of the University’s
Faculty Senate, and is a member of the University’s Administrative
Council. He holds a B. A. from the University of Maryland and
an M. F. A. from Florida State University.
Prior to joining the Webster faculty in 1992, Lynch pursued a
career as a professional actor, a vocation he has continued in
parallel to his Webster University teaching. Professor Lynch
will take up his responsibilities in London in the autumn of
2009.
New Responsibilities
In announcing Professor Lynch’s new responsibilities, Webster
University President, Dr. Elizabeth Stroble said: “It has been my
pleasure to work with Bill as a member of Webster’s Administrative
Council. His exceptional commitment to students and his
collegial and effective leadership in service of Webster’s vision
and mission will find new expression in this role. I
celebrate the ways this university provides for students, faculty,
and staff to embrace new opportunities within the worldwide network
that is Webster University.”
Webster’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. James Staley,
who oversees the University’s international network of campuses,
praised the appointment of Webster's resident director for London
saying "Bill Lynch is an outstanding educator and leader. He
has a strong background in American Higher Education and a firm
commitment to international education."
Academic Partnerships
Webster University Chancellor Neil J. George states "Webster
University's academic partnerships with Regents College are
distinctive and strategic to our vision of becoming a premier
international institution." Following a visit to London by
Professor Lynch the week of August 31st, the Chief Executive
Officer and Principal of Regent’s College, Professor Aldwyn Cooper,
citing the strong relationship between Regent’s College and Webster
University noted that “Webster students in London benefit from the
excellent Webster programmes and the special environment that is
offered at Regent’s.
Creating the best student experience by balancing these elements
is the responsibility of the Webster Resident Director. We
have been fortunate in working with first class directors over the
years. The most recent, David Parrish, has been outstanding
and we were saddened when, earlier this year, he confirmed his
intention to retire as Director. This is offset by our
pleasure that he has agreed to continue to teach on the programmes
where he has always been a valued contributor.”
Qualified Candidates
Commenting further on the appointment of Professor Lynch,
Professor Cooper expressed his gratefulness for the efforts that
the President and her colleagues at Webster have expended on
identifying a suitable replacement. “I know,” he said, “that
many highly qualified candidates were considered. We are now
delighted that Bill Lynch has agreed to take up post over here as
soon as possible. Bill’s experience of Webster is
extensive. He has professional interests in the new
programmes that we are developing in London and sees the
opportunities for future collaborations that are offered by the
London location. We are sure that he will quickly become a
major contributor to the team here and look forward to welcoming
him as soon as possible.”
Worldwide Institution
With its home campus in St. Louis, Webster University is a
worldwide institution committed to delivering high-quality learning
experiences that transform students for global citizenship and
individual excellence. Founded in 1915, Webster offers
undergraduate and graduate degree programs through five schools and
colleges, and a global network of more than 100 campuses. Its
20,000-plus student population represents almost 150
nationalities.
Since opening its first campus overseas in Geneva in 1978,
Webster has become a recognized leader and innovator in global
education, with an international presence that now includes
campuses in London; Vienna; Amsterdam and Leiden, the Netherlands;
Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu, China; and Bangkok and Cha-am,
Thailand. Webster also has educational partnerships with
universities in Mexico and Japan.
Dr. James Staley, Vice President for Academic
Affairs
Webster University
Page last updated 1/11/2010