Dr Baldwin will replace Van Gore, who is retiring in August. Professor Gore has led the institution since 2007.

Dr Baldwin is currently deputy vice-chancellor at the University of Central Lancashire (Uclan), where he has overall responsibility for international strategy.

The chairman of Solent’s board of governors, Jonathan Cheshire, said: “We had a very strong shortlist for this role but we felt Graham was an outstanding candidate who demonstrated a clear vision that matched our own.”

Dr Baldwin said: “Like Uclan, Southampton Solent University has built a strong reputation for helping people from all walks of life achieve their potential.”

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He added that he was looking forward to meeting and working with students and staff “so that together we can continue to produce graduates whofulfiltheir career aspirations”.

Dr Baldwin worked at Uclan for 13 years in various positions including pro vice-chancellor for skills and employer engagement.

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On secondment from the university in 2007, he became national skills director for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. In this post he developed a strategic plan for the interactions between universities and the nuclear industry.

holly.else@tsleducation.com