THE University of Hertfordshire has appointed a new vice chancellor for next year.

Professor Quintin McKellar will take over as vice chancellor at the Hatfield-based uni from January 4 2011, replacing Prof Tim Wilson, who is retiring in December.

Prof McKellar will join the uni from the Royal Veterinary College in Brookmans Park, where he has spent the past six years as Principal.

A keen rower, the father-of-four competed in the 1986 Commonwealth Games, and has an interest in animal pharmacology and parasitology.

Jo Connell, chair of the university’s board of governors, said: “I am delighted that Professor McKellar will be joining us.

“He will be an excellent and inspiring new vice chancellor who will build on the university’s reputation as innovative and enterprising and ensure that it continues to be seen as an exemplar in the sector.”