LEICESTER

Computer and information technology plays such a fundamental role in higher education today that it should be central to every university's strategy, according to Mary Visser (pictured), the new IT director at Leicester University.

"IT is equally important for teaching and learning, management and research. And it should be recognised that for this generation of students, the internet is probably as important as books as a source of information," she said.

Her first task will be to pull together the computerised management information systems and IT services section, which is responsible for website development and for overseeing e-learning technology.

"We would like to be able to allow students to do things such as enrol or select modules online, for example."

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Prior to joining Leicester, Ms Visser was deputy director of IT at Warwick University, and before that she was a software developer at IBM.

IN

Steven Trevillion , director of social work, joins from the General Social Care Council.

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Heiko Balzter , professor of physical geography, comes from the Natural Environment Research Council's Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at Monks Wood.

Dave Hall , registrar and secretary, was formerly academic registrar at Birmingham University.

Melanie Davies , inaugural chair of diabetes medicine, was previously head of service for metabolic medicine.

OUT

Ben Leimkuhler , professor of applied mathematics, has left to take a post at Edinburgh University.

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Keith Julian , registrar and secretary, has retired after 34 years of service.

Peter Maguire , professor of geophysics, has retired after 32 years.

Steve Nahorski of the department of cell physiology and pharmacology has retired after 30 years of service.