Vice-Chancellor's Installation
Professor Stephen Jarvis becomes the sixth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey in historic ceremony
The University of Surrey community came together to celebrate as Professor Stephen Jarvis was formally installed as the University’s sixth President and Vice-Chancellor at Guildford Cathedral on Wednesday 11 February 2026.
Hundreds of colleagues and students were joined at the ceremony and at the ensuing reception in the Marquee by community representatives and leaders – including council leaders, current and former MPs and representatives from across the region's business and academic communities.
The installation ceremony - attended by the Chancellor of the University, HRH The Duke of Kent - featured a traditional academic procession with full regalia, a specially commissioned fanfare, and music from the University Chamber Choir.
The special atmosphere continued in The Marquee on Stag Hill campus, where guests marked this momentous moment together.
Preparations and Robing
Prof Jarvis welcomes Michael More-Molyneaux CVO, HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey.
Prof Jarvis welcomes Michael More-Molyneaux CVO, HM Lord Lieutenant of Surrey.
Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Howard Smith, and Prof Jarvis pictured in the Chapter House.
Mayor of Guildford, Councillor Howard Smith, and Prof Jarvis pictured in the Chapter House.
Prof Jarvis prepares for the ceremony by donning the academic robe awarded to him by the University of Durham for completing his PhD.
Prof Jarvis prepares for the ceremony by donning the academic robe awarded to him by the University of Durham for completing his PhD.
The University of Surrey’s Chancellor, HRH The Duke of Kent, puts on a robe of blue brocade edged with gold lace and additional ornamentation.
The University of Surrey’s Chancellor, HRH The Duke of Kent, puts on a robe of blue brocade edged with gold lace and additional ornamentation.
Prof Jarvis joins Senior Leaders and dignitaries ahead of the start of the Procession.
Prof Jarvis joins Senior Leaders and dignitaries ahead of the start of the Procession.
Prof Lisa Collins, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation; Martine Carter, Vice-President, Strategic Growth; and Emma Rowsell, Chief Student Officer, before the ceremony.
Prof Lisa Collins, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation; Martine Carter, Vice-President, Strategic Growth; and Emma Rowsell, Chief Student Officer, before the ceremony.
Prof Jarvis speaks with family members seated at the front of the Nave.
Prof Jarvis speaks with family members seated at the front of the Nave.
Fanfare and Procession
The Department of Music and Media was honoured to provide all of the music for the ceremony, which began with a rousing fanfare performed from the Cathedral's South Gallery.
The University's student-led Brass Ensemble was joined by guest percussionists in a modern world premiere: Dr Christopher Wiley, Head of Music and Media at the University, transcribed and arranged Dame Ethel Smyth's 'Hot Potatoes' Fanfare, conducting from the gallery.
The University's Chamber Choir then performed Hubert Parry's 'I Was Glad', complete with added instrumental parts by Dr Wiley, as the Procession took place.
The Chamber Choir's director Amy Kearsley, a recent music graduate of the University and now professional singer, conducted the choir in the main choir stalls, accompanied by final-year BMus Music student William Brooke at the organ, plus the brass and percussion from their place in the gallery.
Following the formal installation of the Vice-Chancellor, the Chamber Choir gave a beautiful performance of Charles Wood's 'Hail, Gladd'ning Light', again conducted by Ms Kearsley.
Mr Brooke, who also played a half-hour organ recital before the service, ended the ceremony with a performance of the 'Final' from Vierne's Symphony No. 1 as the voluntary.
Welcome addresses and readings
Charlie Geffen, Chair of Council of the University of Surrey, offered the first 'Welcome' address which included the words to Prof Jarvis: “We have confidence in your leadership, your judgement, and your ability to bring people together behind a shared purpose.”
Charlie Geffen, Chair of Council of the University of Surrey, offered the first 'Welcome' address which included the words to Prof Jarvis: “We have confidence in your leadership, your judgement, and your ability to bring people together behind a shared purpose.”
There followed a 'Welcome' message from Councillor Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, on behalf of the local community.
There followed a 'Welcome' message from Councillor Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, on behalf of the local community.
Virginia Barrett, Principal of Farnborough College of Technology, offered a second ‘Welcome’ from the local community in which she thanked Prof Jarvis for taking time to visit the college.
Virginia Barrett, Principal of Farnborough College of Technology, offered a second ‘Welcome’ from the local community in which she thanked Prof Jarvis for taking time to visit the college.
Deborah Nottridge, Head of Catering at the University of Surrey and winner of ‘Colleague of the Year’ in the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Staff Excellence, read the poem ‘'Tis The Set Of The Sail’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
Deborah Nottridge, Head of Catering at the University of Surrey and winner of ‘Colleague of the Year’ in the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for Staff Excellence, read the poem ‘'Tis The Set Of The Sail’ by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
Martine Carter, Vice-President, Strategic Growth, at the University of Surrey, offered words of 'Welcome' on behalf of all staff – past, present and future – and said Prof Jarvis’s leadership is already rooted in the qualities that connect the Surrey community: collaboration, integrity, and an ability to inspire others.
Martine Carter, Vice-President, Strategic Growth, at the University of Surrey, offered words of 'Welcome' on behalf of all staff – past, present and future – and said Prof Jarvis’s leadership is already rooted in the qualities that connect the Surrey community: collaboration, integrity, and an ability to inspire others.
Matt Aikin, President of the Surrey Students’ Union 2025/26, offered a second ‘Welcome’ on behalf of the University community, in which he recognised the productive relationship nurtured between the University and its students.
Matt Aikin, President of the Surrey Students’ Union 2025/26, offered a second ‘Welcome’ on behalf of the University community, in which he recognised the productive relationship nurtured between the University and its students.
Professor Adrian Dobbs, Head of School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey, read a passage from George Eliot’s Middlemarch (Finale), adapted for ceremonial use.
Professor Adrian Dobbs, Head of School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey, read a passage from George Eliot’s Middlemarch (Finale), adapted for ceremonial use.
Formal installation ceremony
During the formal installation ceremony, Prof Jarvis is presented with a new robe and pledges to uphold the Ordinances of the University.
During the formal installation ceremony, Prof Jarvis is presented with a new robe and pledges to uphold the Ordinances of the University.
Prof Jarvis replaces his academic robe with that of the office of President and Vice-Chancellor - a robe of black silk ottoman with blue brocade trim on the facings and some gold ornamentation.
Prof Jarvis replaces his academic robe with that of the office of President and Vice-Chancellor - a robe of black silk ottoman with blue brocade trim on the facings and some gold ornamentation.
With his hand on the University mace, HRH The Duke of Kent confers the office and title of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey upon Prof Jarvis.
With his hand on the University mace, HRH The Duke of Kent confers the office and title of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey upon Prof Jarvis.
While also holding the University mace, Prof Jarvis declares that he will undertake to maintain the University as a seat of academic excellence and learning and will promote innovation and research in all the University’s disciplines.
While also holding the University mace, Prof Jarvis declares that he will undertake to maintain the University as a seat of academic excellence and learning and will promote innovation and research in all the University’s disciplines.
Vice-Chancellor's Inaugural Address
Extracts from the address given by Professor Jarvis
"The installation of a new Vice-Chancellor marks a significant moment in the life of a university. It is both symbolic and substantive: a transition in leadership that also reaffirms the institution’s continuity, values and purpose.
"Installation is not simply the appointment of a new office-holder. It is a moment when the University strengthens its sense of community, renews its shared purpose, and looks ahead — collectively and with intent — to the work that lies before it."
He added: “The University of Surrey is defined by a dual commitment to excellence in both education and research. Ours is also a university with a clear sense of purpose: to provide an education that equips graduates for the world of work, and to undertake research that addresses some of the most urgent challenges facing society.
“Surrey aspires to be recognised among the very best universities in the UK, with a strong and growing global reputation, reach and influence. I firmly believe that the UK needs universities like ours to navigate the opportunities and challenges of technological change, respond to critical skills needs, and prepare students for the workplaces of the future.
“The University of Surrey is deeply rooted in its local community – not only a place of learning and discovery, but also an active contributor to the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of the communities we serve. The long-term success of a place is built through a shared endeavour: universities, colleges and schools that educate and inspire; public services that protect and enable; infrastructure that connects people to opportunity; and governance that provides stability, trust and direction. Aligned, we don’t just function, we flourish.”
Pro-Chancellor Dr Max Taylor offers closing remarks to bring the ceremony to an end.
Pro-Chancellor Dr Max Taylor offers closing remarks to bring the ceremony to an end.
Recession
Reception
VIP Lunch in Lakeside
Earlier in the day, ahead of the Installation ceremony, Lakeside Restaurant on Stag Hill campus hosted a VIP lunch. Guests included local dignitaries including Archdeacon Paul Davies, the Bishop of Surrey, and Peter Cluff, the High Sheriff of Surrey (pictured in second photo).
Earlier in the day, ahead of the Installation ceremony, Lakeside Restaurant on Stag Hill campus hosted a VIP lunch. Guests included local dignitaries including Archdeacon Paul Davies, the Bishop of Surrey, and Peter Cluff, the High Sheriff of Surrey (pictured in second photo).
Martine Carter, Vice-President, Strategic Growth, at the University of Surrey, pictured with Virginia Barrett, Principal of Farnborough College of Technology.
Martine Carter, Vice-President, Strategic Growth, at the University of Surrey, pictured with Virginia Barrett, Principal of Farnborough College of Technology.
From Lakeside Restaurant, guests made the short walk to Guildford Cathedral for the Installation ceremony. Here the robes of the high officers await in the Chapter House of the cathedral.
From Lakeside Restaurant, guests made the short walk to Guildford Cathedral for the Installation ceremony. Here the robes of the high officers await in the Chapter House of the cathedral.
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