Former QUB president and vice-chancellor Sir Peter Gregson remembered as ‘inspirational leader’

Former Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) president and vice-chancellor Sir Peter Gregson has been remembered as an “inspirational leader” following his death aged 66.

The university said on Monday that it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of Sir Peter, who had led QUB “with distinction through a period of unparalleled progress and achievement”.

He served as vice-chancellor from 2004 to 2013 and under his tenure, Queen’s joined the elite Russell Group in 2006.

An aerospace engineer, he was awarded a knighthood for services to higher education in 2011.

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A QUB spokesperson said: “Under his leadership, Queen’s entered the Russell Group in 2006 as one of the UK’s leading research intensive universities, was named Entrepreneurial University of the Year in 2009 and secured two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education in 2005 and 2011″.

In March 2008 he welcomed the late Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and the President of Ireland Mary McAleese to the University, as Queen’s celebrated 100 years of the granting of the University Charter.

“Sir Peter made a remarkable contribution to the University, Northern Ireland and Queen’s internationally,” the spokesperson added.

“He was a values-led, inspirational leader, whose commitment to Queen’s students, staff and the wider University community was unwavering.

“The entire university community extends its deepest condolences to Lady Gregson, their daughters Ellie, Maria and Chrissie and the family circle.”