UPSC Prelims 2004 Q109: Current Affairs – Notable Personalities
In 2003, Alison Richard took over as the first ever woman Vice - Chancellor of
- (a) Oxford University
- (b) Cambridge University
- (c) Harvard University
- (d) Purdue University
Answer: (b) Cambridge University
Explanation
First woman Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge
| University | Link with Alison Richard |
|---|---|
| Cambridge University | Yes — she became its 344th and first woman Vice-Chancellor in October 2003 |
| Oxford University | Colin Lucas was Oxford's Vice-Chancellor in 2003; Alison Richard was not at Oxford |
| Harvard University | No |
| Purdue University | No |
Alison Richard took over in 2003 as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University.
Answer: (b) Cambridge University.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Alison Richard did not head Oxford.
- (b) CORRECT. She was the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge.
- (c) Incorrect. Harvard has a President, not a Vice-Chancellor.
- (d) Incorrect. Purdue is not where she took charge.
Key point
Vice-Chancellor is the head title in British universities; Harvard uses President.
Remember
Alison Richard became Cambridge's first woman Vice-Chancellor in 2003.
Common mistakes
- Choosing Oxford because of its fame.
- Forgetting that Harvard's head is called President.
- Confusing her with a US university head.
Exam tip
Title clue: Vice-Chancellor points to a British or Commonwealth university.
Sources
- University of Cambridge — Vice-Chancellors
- University of Cambridge — Statutes and Ordinances: the Vice-Chancellor