5 MINUTES WITH
MINUTES WITH:
PROFESSOR WENDY THOMSON
Professor Wendy Thomson CBE joined the University of London as Vice-Chancellor in July of this year. She brings a range of experience in senior roles in higher education and public service. Until coming to the University, Wendy held a professorship in social policy at McGill University in Montreal and served on the Council of the University of East Anglia and the Norwich University of the Arts. Previous roles include CEO in local government and Chief Advisor on Public Service Reform for a former UK Prime Minister. With research interests that also include health policy and child welfare, Wendy has led governmental panels and reviews on these subjects, both for the Canadian government and internationally. What was the last country you visited? I visited Russia for the graduation ceremony of our students studying finance and economics at ICEF Moscow. It was the first time I had been in Moscow since the early 80s. There were many changes to be seen, changes in which the University of London has played a progressive role. What is the best and worst thing about travel? The best thing about travel is experiencing new people and cultures and climates. The worst thing: airport queues. Describe yourself in 10 words. Mother, professor and public servant who loves tennis and yoga. What is your favourite city and why? My favourite city is London because it is a diverse cosmopolitan meeting place with exciting people and diverse talents; and my adopted home.
What three things would you take with you on a desert island? My daughter, my laptop and a sustainable supply of fine food and wine. Name three guests, past or present, you would like to have dinner with and why. Michelle Obama, because of the life she is living and the inspiration she provides. Leonard Cohen, because of the poetry in his words and voice, and our shared birthplace, Montreal. Vikram Vij, so he could make sure our dinner was tasty and came with his expert critique. Name one thing you want to do in the next year. Help the University of London shape its next big vision and strategy; its ‘why’? What is your favourite book of all time? E. P. Thompson The Making of the English Working Class. Name something or someone that always make you smile? My daughter. What is your favourite restaurant? The Red Fort. Tell us one thing you love about London. The squares of Bloomsbury.
7 WC1E | london.ac.uk/alumni
