Feb 20 2012 3:00PM
Professor Bill Tancred, a former double Olympian, world class discus thrower and international athletics coach, has been appointed as both Visiting Professor of Sports Leadership in the School of Science, Technology and Health at UCS and the institutions Director of Sport. In taking up this important post, Professor Tancred will be building on his previous experience as Director of Sport at Sheffield University.
As a national and international sports leader and academic, Professor Tancred will be supporting the development of sports provision for students and staff at UCS, as well as promoting the School offering externally- contributing to the development of the sports and exercise courses at UCS.
Professor Brendon Noble, Head of School of Science, Technology and Health at UCS, spoke of his delight in welcoming Professor Tancred to the School. “His experience in both sporting and academic life will provide a tremendous advantage to our sports and health related courses. He has made it clear that his focus is on the students and how we might assist them in the development of their careers. This is very much our core target at UCS.”
Professor Tancred remains one of the top ten British discus throwers and shot putters in history, and in 1992 was awarded an MBE for services to athletics. Furthermore, he broke the British discus record 19 times and the last one stood for 24 years. He was also made an honorary doctorate of UCS in 2008
During his academic career, Professor Tancred has been instrumental in developing courses in sports and recreation management, sports leadership and sports coaching. He has published numerous articles on sport, health, fitness and sports management, along with a number of books and presented papers at conferences throughout the world.
Professor Tancred said of his appointment: “It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to contribute further to the development of health and well-being through sport at UCS. It is coming home for me, as I started my further education with the then Ipswich Civic College. UCS is a growing Institution and being part of it at this stage, is very exciting.”
The appointment of Professor Tancred follows the recent opening of new Science facilities at UCS, including new exercise laboratory facilities, at the £22m James Hehir Building| on the Waterfront in Ipswich.
Find out about courses offered in the School of Science, Technology and Health.|