Oxford University gets its first ever female vice chancellor

Oxford University has found its first ever female vice chancellor in Louise Richardson.

Professor Richardson, who is currently heading St Andrews and has had a senior role at Harvard University, will take the chair as 272nd vice chancellor of the acclaimed university for the first time in its history, reports the BBC.

She would take over Andrew Hamilton in January 2016, following almost eight centuries of male heads of the prestigious institute.

Lord Patten, university's chancellor said they were "deeply impressed" by Prof Richardson's strong commitment to "scholarly values" and her record as an "educational leader".

Commenting on her appointment, Richardson said that she felt highly privileged to be given the opportunity to lead the remarkable institution.