Uriah, best known as Uri, is a proud Sheffielder who grew up “on the Wybourn”, a working-class neighbourhood in the east end of the city. He became an international FIFA and FA football referee who officiated more than 300 games during his career.
Uri already has strong connections to Sheffield Hallam. During his refereeing career Uri successfully studied for an MBA at the University. Last year, the University awarded him with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with resilient communities across South Yorkshire
He continues to be an active campaigner on a range of issues including improving equity, equality and inclusion in sport, supporting mental health and tackling deprivation within communities. Uri aims to use his time as Chancellor to further those causes.
Uri will take up the role and be officially installed as Chancellor in early 2025. He will take on the Chancellorship from Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, who is stepping down after six years of service. Baroness Kennedy is patron of Sheffield Hallam’s world-leading Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice and she will continue to work closely with colleagues in the Centre to champion the work of staff and students.
The news comes as Sheffield Hallam is set to welcome back over 10,000 students for two weeks of graduation ceremonies, beginning on Monday (11 Nov).
Uri Rennie said: “I’m delighted and excited to be rejoining Sheffield Hallam University to become the next Chancellor. As a proud Sheffielder, I have seen first-hand the immense benefits that the University brings to communities across the region.
“I want to pay tribute to those who have gone before me in this role, who have enabled the University to become such an integral part of the local, national and international educational community.
“I’m looking forward to working with students, the wider university community and the Vice-Chancellor to make a real difference, particularly on the issues that I’m passionate about, including providing all communities with the opportunity to transform their lives through education.”
Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Uri is a true Sheffield trailblazer who has broken down barriers and continues to campaign on important issues within our community. This makes him an ideal fit for Sheffield Hallam University and we are looking forward to working with him as our next Chancellor.
“I’d like to thank Baroness Kennedy for all she’s done during her six years as Chancellor. She is a pioneer in her field, and we are delighted that she will continue to be involved with the University through the world-leading Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice.”
Uri is an ambassador of The Children’s Hospital Charity, a Trustee of Voluntary Action Sheffield, and patron of both Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and St Luke's Hospice. Uri is also president of Sheffield Federation for Schools Sports, president of Hallam FC, and the past chair of Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, and he has been a magistrate in the city since 1996.
