Howard Newby's election as president of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and

Principals last year brought widespread expectations of change.

Described as a "visionary" and "thinker", he has long warned that universities must be ready to meet the challenge of

globalisation. And a few months ago, saying that "institutions may increasingly have to choose their niche", he called for a radical adjustment of the structure and function of universities.

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Three years spent at the University of

Wisconsin-Madison as professor of sociology and rural sociology between 1980 and 1983 has given him a keen interest in a tiered higher education system, with

open-access community colleges, taughtdegree-only universities and internationally competitive research universities.

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If radical change does happen, he is well placed to present it. He is used to the media spotlight. In 1997, as vice-chancellor of Southampton, he faced the difficult task of responding to six cases of meningitis at his university, including three deaths.

The same year, he completed a report for the government on St Austell College's

handling of an investigation into allegations of sexual assault by a lecturer.

Professor Newby was educated at grammar school in Derbyshire and at Atlantic College and St Donat's, Glamorgan. He took a degree and PhD at the University of Essex, where, between 1972 and 1988, he continued his career, rising from lecturer in sociology to professor.

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He went from heading the Economic and Social Research Council to become vicechancellor of Southampton six years ago, with a brief to expand its research profile and establish it as a global player.

He is married with two sons, a dedicated fan of Derby County football club and a railway enthusiast.