The latest episode in the podcast series in which prominent sector figures create an all new HE institution. This time we have Camford University, an ancient seat of learning, which offers hauntings, hallelujahs and a holistic student experience.

This time our star imagineer is Johnny Rich, who is Chief Executive of the Engineering Professors’ Council and of Push, the independent university guide, among other roles. Johnny is proud to be the Vice-Chancellor of Camford University, a post he was appointed to some years ago with a bold remit to change the ancient institution.

As VC he has instituted a radical approach to contextual admissions and the university is now using AI to support identification of potential, including deploying an alternative version of dating software to help with selection. The university has also adopted a radically holistic student experience which is employability focused and concerned with developing rounded graduates with the ingredients of knowledge, skills and broader character attributes including values.

Students can see the mix of ingredients they need for their chosen career path and engage with an exciting and innovative curriculum which includes real world projects involving local businesses – no town and gown divide here – and student-led elements throughout.

Johnny, although he might don a mortar board every now and then, is not the kind of VC, or ‘vision captain’, you will find wearing a tie. Camford benefits from its rich history as well as being cutting edge and indeed has the most haunted university building in the world which just happens to  be home to a research centre dedicated to proving it isn’t actually haunted.

Nothing is banned here except a closed mindset and the university is dedicated to helping graduates build their social capital with the strong support of alumni. Finally we learn that the university’s anthem, as voted for by staff and students, is a really revolutionary tune by a very popular contemporary artist.