Bangladeshi-Born Osama Khan Named VC of South Wales University

He is set to join the university in May next year.

Professor Khan joins USW from Aston University where he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), according to the official website of the university.

On his appointment, Professor Khan said, “It is a privilege to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Wales. I am deeply inspired by the University’s unwavering commitment to inclusive education and its pivotal role in driving social and economic progress across Wales and beyond. I look forward to working collaboratively with the USW community—students, staff, and partners—to build on the University’s impressive achievements and shape a bold, ambitious future together.”

Richard Lloyd-Owen, Chair of the Board of Governors, said, “Professor Khan is an exceptional leader whose values-driven approach and strategic vision resonate deeply with the University of South Wales’ mission to transform lives through education. His commitment to inclusive excellence, innovation in teaching and learning, and empowering communities aligns perfectly with our institutional priorities. We are thrilled to welcome him to USW and look forward to a dynamic new chapter under his leadership—one that will inspire progress, collaboration, and meaningful impact across our university and beyond.”

Osama is going to be the first Bangladeshi born, also educated in the country ascend to the post of the chief executive of a public university in the UK.

Osama’s early academic foundation was laid at Cumilla Cadet College and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), before he left for the UK to persuade his higher education at the University of Surrey and the University of Cambridge Judge Business School.

He began his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Surrey in 2004. He moved to Solent University in 2012, where he held a variety of roles including Director of Learning and Teaching at Solent Learning and Teaching Institute. He was appointed as Vice-Provost, Education at the University of Surrey in 2019.

Osama will become the first UK public university chief executive who was both born and educated in Bangladesh.

His academic journey began at Cumilla Cadet College and Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB), before he went on to pursue higher studies in the UK at the University of Surrey and Cambridge Judge Business School.

He started his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Surrey in 2004. In 2012, he joined Solent University, where he served in several roles, including Director of Learning and Teaching at the Solent Learning and Teaching Institute, reports UNB. 

In 2019, he was appointed Vice-Provost (Education) at the University of Surrey.