University of Hull welcomes new Vice-Chancellor

Professor Susan Lea has begun her tenure as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull.

She took up her position today (Monday) after serving as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Greenwich, for the past two years.

Professor Lea, who is the University’s first woman in the role, brings extensive leadership experience, from a broad range of universities.

She has a track record of leading successful organisational change and driving performance, having also held senior positions at King’s College London and Plymouth.

Professor Lea will continue to drive the University forward to realise its strategic ambition and deliver the next phase of its significant investment programme.

Professor Lea said: “It is critical that we deliver high quality research and education, and develop further our strong profile and presence in the region.   This is also an exciting time, offering enhanced opportunity, with Hull being the City of Culture.  The University already has valuable relationships with a number of key partners and I am looking forward to working with colleagues both internal and external to the University.”

The University is proud of the difference it makes to the community through research and enterprise, education, and wider public engagement.  Positively impacting society and transforming lives is central to the role of the University of Hull. An example includes 100% of our nursing graduates are in work or further study within six months of graduation. The majority take up positions in local hospitals and other health and social care settings across the Yorkshire and Humber region, contributing significantly to the delivery of excellent care to local people.

The University of Hull campus has changed dramatically over recent years, following substantial investment in high quality teaching and learning facilities, research laboratories, and social spaces and sporting facilities for students, staff and the wider community.   

Professor Lea said: “The success of these initiatives is reflected in students rating our learning resources above the sector average, and in the top 25% of universities.  Last year, the University also saw a 7% increase across its Undergraduate and Foundation degree intake, bringing the total student population to almost 17,000, which suggests that students are being attracted to the enhanced student experience that we are offering.”

A £200-million investment programme is well underway, including £16-million enhancing sports facilities, a £28-million investment in our award-winning library and a £28-million Health Campus.  Opening in September the Health Campus will give not only our students a fantastic opportunity to learn and practice in a real-life setting, but gives our team at the University a cutting-edge environment to further develop their world-leading research.

 On a personal note, Professor Lea describes how friendly, helpful, and ‘generous of spirit’ she has found people, both at the University and more widely.  

She said: “It is a real privilege to be a Vice-Chancellor and to serve the interests of the University and wider region. I am excited to be here and I am very much looking forward to working together with colleagues to ensure we are enabling our students and our staff to thrive and succeed.” 

Professor Lea will take the helm from Professor Glenn Burgess, Acting-Vice Chancellor. The previous incumbent, Professor Calie Pistorius, stepped down as the Vice-Chancellor in January 2017 after seven and a half years.