Robert Burgess (sociologist)

Sir Robert Burgess FAcSS (born 23 April 1947) is a British sociologist and academic. He was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester in 1999, succeeding Ken Edwards. He was President of the British Sociological Association 1989-1991..^[1]

Burgess received his BA degree from the University of Durham in 1971 and his PhD degree from the University of Warwick in 1981. He remained at Warwick as a lecturer and became Professor of Sociology in 1987. He then rose through the ranks, serving as Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor 1995–99.^[2] Burgess then moved to the University of Leicester as Vice-Chancellor, introducing sweeping changes that enhanced the university's reputation and saw it enter the top-20 institutions in many league tables.^[3]

Burgess is chair of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), the Research Information Network,^[4] and the UUK/Guild HE Teacher Education Advisory Group.^[5] In 2007, Burgess chaired the steering group that produced the Burgess Report, calling for sweeping changes in university degree classification that would replace the established system of first- and second class degrees.^[6][7][8]

Burgess was knighted in the 2010 New Year Honours.^[9] He became an Academician of the Social Sciences in 2000. He received an Honorary DLitt degree from the University of Staffordshire in 1998 and a DUniv degree from the University of Northampton in 2007.^[2]

He married Hilary Margaret Mary Joyce in 1974 and lists his recreations as walking, music and "some gardening".^[2] Sir Bob and Lady Burgess live at Knighton Hall, the University of Leicester's traditional vice-chancellor's residence in Knighton, Leicester. Burgess's record in building both the university's academic reputation and its campus buildings have earned him the nickname Bob the Builder among his university colleagues.^[10]

Burgess retired from the post of Vice-Chancellor in September 2014, at age 67.^[11] He was succeeded by Professor Paul Boyle.^[1]

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