John Annette

Professor John Annette is the President and Vice-Chancellor of Richmond University, the American International University in London, and previously served as Pro Vice Master and Professor of Citizenship and Lifelong Learning at Birkbeck, University of London. He specializes in civic engagement, lifelong learning, and education policy, advocating for social responsibility and community involvement in higher education.

Education Background:

• Julliard School of Music (Music Scholarship)
• Fordham University (History and Philosophy)
• London School of Economics (Under Michael Oakeshott)

Research & Leadership: He co-chaired a Home Office project on adult lifelong learning for active citizenship and edited a seminal 2010 special edition of the British Journal of Education on civic engagement. His international collaborations include partnerships with Chinese universities to develop certified volunteering programs. He led the Linking London Lifelong Learning Network and established Birkbeck’s Centre for Transformative Practice in Learning and Teaching.

Awards & Recognition:

• T.H.E. award for 'Higher Education and Community Engagement'
• T.H.E. award for 'Higher Education Widening Participation'

Personal Life: A devoted husband and father, he is known for his approachability, humor, and commitment to equality. His eclectic past includes jazz trumpet performances with Miles Davis and political activism in the 1960s.