Back in the medieval period, not only did the city of Lincoln had scholars of national reputation, it was filled with Roman origins, a Norman castle and a cathedral; thereby offering a conducive environment for learning. Despite so, York was still favored over Lincoln when the government was set to select eight greenfield sites for new universities in the 1960s. Thereafter, things remain unchanged up till close to the end of the 20th century.
Today, Lincoln occupies a beautiful campus located among the barges and swans on the city’s embankment with a total enrollment of 14,500 students. The university is amongst the top in almost all university league tables ranking, with the attainment of a Gold award in the first teach excellence framework. In addition, it came in sixth in terms of students’ course satisfaction, according to the Guardian’s University Guide 2018.
However, the institution is “still a project; it is not complete” quoted Mary Stuart, the vice-chancellor of Lincoln University and person responsible for overseeing this significant accomplishment for eight years. Many who have worked with Stuart perceive her as one who is not only extraordinary but one who will constantly initiate a sense of excitement.
Soon after Stuart assumed the role, an engineering school was established on top of the existing faculties which consisted of art and social sciences with small computer and forensic departments. Thereafter, courses in chemistry, physics, life sciences, pharmacy and maths gradually followed. The university is now in talks with regards to the opening of a medical school following the recent launch of a school of Geography alongside a research centre on climate change and flooding.
Although the university has a below-average student drop-out percentile and progressive graduate employment prospects, it is still questionable whether the school can continue to prosper. This is because the institution obtains 72% of its income from student fees as opposed to the national average of 46%, making it susceptible to the widely rumored cut in fees or decrement in student demand. Furthermore, due to the school’s extensive development, it has incurred significant debts. Despite so, Stuart is optimistic that the school will continue to flourish amongst the obstacles.
Original source: The Guardian