Obituary

06 May 2009

Professor Bob Boucher: 1940-2009

The University is saddened to announce the death of former Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UMIST, Professor Bob Boucher who died on 25 March 2009.

Professor Boucher held the position from 1995-2001. During this time, he expanded the biosciences to stand alongside UMIST's traditional strengths in the physical sciences and engineering, and created the University's first-ever clinical chairs. He was also a pivotal figure in securing a new building for the School of Management and strengthening its alliance with the Manchester Business School, so that together they became one of Europe´s premier academic centres for business and management.

In 2001 Professor Boucher was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, the continuation of a long association with Sheffield where he had previously been Pro-Vice-Chancellor and had led the mechanical engineering department.

Professor Boucher was appointed a CBE in 2000 for his services to higher education and the engineering profession. After retiring as Vice-Chancellor at Sheffield in 2007 he held many prominent positions including chairman of the City's Museums Trust and a Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire.

He made a significant contribution to the maintenance and improvement of quality in higher education through his involvement with the Quality Assurance Agency and the Higher Education Funding Council for England. He was also an influential figure on the international stage, working on behalf of Universities UK, the British Council and the Association of Commonwealth Universities to maximise the recruitment of overseas students to British universities.

Professor Boucher is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.

A private funeral was held on 4 April.