Pioneering Vice-Chancellor honoured as LSBU renames library
London South Bank University (LSBU) has renamed its Southwark Campus Library after the educationalist who led the institution's transition from polytechnic to university and became its first vice-chancellor.
Renamed after Baroness Perry of Southwark, the Perry Library was unveiled at a ceremony on 9 July.
Baroness Perry, who served as director of South Bank Polytechnic and vice-chancellor of South Bank University, was present to unveil the commemorative plaque.
Pauline Perry was appointed director of South Bank Polytechnic in 1986 following more than 15 years in HM Inspectorate at the Department of Education and Science, where she rose to the rank of chief inspector. Her appointment made her the first female director of a polytechnic in Britain. When the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 conferred university status on polytechnics, she became joint-first female Vice-Chancellor in the UK.
During her time at South Bank, Baroness Perry oversaw the expansion of the Elephant and Castle campus, acquiring buildings including what is now the LSBU Hub.
She introduced the slogan “The University with No Ivory Towers” to signal that the institution's transition to university status would not alter its commitment to serving the local community. She also led the University’s centenary celebrations in 1992.
Appointed a life peer in 1991 as The Right Honourable Baroness Perry of Southwark, of Charlbury in the County of Oxfordshire, she sat on the Conservative benches in the House of Lords and contributed to scrutiny of the legislation that would directly affect South Bank's future. She was appointed a Conservative Party Whip in the Lords in 2011 and retired from the Upper House in 2016.
After leaving South Bank University in 1993, Baroness Perry was elected President of Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge, a position she held until 2001. She subsequently served as pro-chancellor of the University of Surrey and chair of governors at Roehampton Institute, among other roles in higher education. She holds honorary doctorates and fellowships from 15 institutions.
Paul Kett, LSBU Group Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, said: "Pauline Perry's contribution to London South Bank — and to British higher education — cannot be overstated. She led this institution through one of the most significant moments in its history and did so in a way that kept access, community, and purpose at the centre of all that we do. We are proud to name our library after Pauline, as a fitting and lasting recognition of her enduring impact."
Baroness Perry added: “I am honoured and delighted that the library of LSBU will have my name. This great university has had huge success in fulfilling its mission to provide professional and vocational degrees to students of all backgrounds. LSBU has been a huge part of my career and remains very dear to me.”