vice-chancellor

American  

[vahys-chan-suh-ler, -chahn-] / ˈvaɪsˈtʃæn sə lər, -ˈtʃɑn- /

noun

1. a substitute, deputy, or subordinate chancellor.

2. a chancery judge acting in place of a chancellor.

3. the chief administrator of certain British universities.

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vice chancellor British  

noun

1. the chief executive or administrator at some British universities Compare chancellor

2. (in the US) a judge in courts of equity subordinate to the chancellor

3. (formerly in England) a senior judge of the court of Chancery who acted as assistant to the Lord Chancellor

4. a person serving as the deputy of a chancellor

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Other Word Forms

• vice-chancellorship noun

Etymology

Origin of vice-chancellor

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

Prof Julie Hall, the vice-chancellor of London Metropolitan University, added the decision "hits students from underrepresented and lower income backgrounds the hardest".

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Prof Katie Normington, vice-chancellor of the university, said she was "devastated" over Oladipo's death, adding direct support was being offered to students, staff and his family.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

The university added that the vice-chancellor had subsequently met with Prof Sullivan.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025

In April, the University of Nottingham announced more than 250 non-academic roles could be cut, with the vice-chancellor saying it was "grappling with significant financial challenges".

From BBC • Nov. 25, 2025

In 1852 Guest was elected master of Caius College, becoming LL.D. in the following year, and in 1854-1855 he was vice-chancellor of Cambridge University.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 6 "Groups, Theory of" to "Gwyniad" by Various