Professor Sir Chris Husbands has decided to leave once a successor takes up the role, likely to be around Autumn 2023.
Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, said: “I have loved my time leading the University, and this has been a very difficult decision. But it is the right decision for me, and for the University.
“There is always more to do and there is never a good time to go, but one of the tests for any leader is to recognise when it is time for others to lead.
“In the past seven years the University has been transformed. It has been a privilege to lead changes which have enhanced the reputation and impact of the University - providing a clear long-term vision for its success and enhancing Sheffield Hallam’s role as an asset for South Yorkshire.
“I will be leaving excellent colleagues with a strong commitment to the success of the University, a diverse and lively student community and a strongly supportive Board who together make Sheffield Hallam a unique institution.
“There is a lot still to do as Sheffield Hallam responds to the challenges of a rapidly changing world, but I will remain committed to the leadership of the University until the process to appoint my successor concludes.”
Since joining in January 2016, Professor Husbands has led on the creation and delivery of an award-winning Transforming Lives Strategy which has seen the University win a number of high-profile awards including:
- 2020 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide - University of the Year for Teaching Quality;
- 2020 Guardian University Awards – Student Experience;
- 2021 UK Social Mobility Awards - University of the Year;
- 2021 Times Higher Education Awards - Entrepreneurial University of the Year;
- 2022 Times Higher Education Awards - Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community;
- 2022 Educate North Awards - University of the Year;
- 2022 Times Higher Education Awards – University of the Year (shortlisted).
Lord Kerslake, Chair of the Sheffield Hallam University Board of Governors, said: “On behalf of the entire University community, I want to thank Chris for his outstanding leadership as Vice-Chancellor.
“His long-term vision, energy, and ambition has had a transformative impact, helping to develop Sheffield Hallam into one of the best modern universities in the country. The many achievements and awards that the University has won during his leadership speak for themselves.
“But aside from all the awards and accolades, I know our University community has particularly valued the Vice-Chancellor’s personal character and approach. Chris has a well-deserved reputation for being a thoughtful, highly visible leader, who always goes out of his way to chat to students and staff as he makes his way around campus
“Chris will be missed when he departs later this year. However, he will hand over a confident modern university, embedded in the heart of its community, and looking to the future with ambition and confidence as it continues its mission to transform lives.”
