Professor Roy Newton obtained his first degree in Computing Science in 1969 and then gained his Masters in 1973, both from Staffordshire University. In 1981 he was awarded his Doctorate in Computer Science from the University of York, for his thesis entitled "Exception Handling on Safety-critical Embedded Computer Systems". In 1984, following a series of lectureships at Staffordshire University, Kingston University and Teesside University, he became Head of the Department of Computing and Cybernetics at the University of Brighton.
In 1986 Professor Newton moved to Staffordshire University to become Head, and subsequently Dean, of Computing. During his time at Staffordshire, he was awarded the title of Professor and spent many years working in collaborative educational development in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China. In addition to these involvements, he was part of the design team for the award-winning Octagon Computing Facility.
Professor Newton moved to the University of Wolverhampton in 1998 to take up the post of Pro Vice Chancellor (Strategic Planning and Resources). This role has included Executive responsibility for the University's New Horizons redevelopment programme, involving regeneration of the University's Estate and Academic and Business Systems. Latterly, he has also taken Executive responsibility for international developments.
Professor Newton has chaired the European Union Technical Workshop on Industrial Computer Systems and has also chaired the Board of Examiners and Accreditation Board of his professional body, the British Computer Society. In 1995 he was awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Society for his work in IT.
He has chaired and been a member of a number of other national and international bodies, including chairing validation events on behalf of the Hong Kong Council for Academic Accreditation.
Professor Newton regularly provides lectures and seminars in the areas of Masterplanning, Strategic Management and the Management of parallel projects. He was appointed Chair of HEDQF in April 2003.