The Chancellor & Pro-Chancellors

The Chancellor

Chancellor Eng Ahmed El Sewedy

The Chancellor plays an important role for the University, occupying a solely ceremonial position as an ambassador and advocate for the University. He presides over major University events such as our Degree Ceremonies and visits us regularly to provide encouragement and support to staff and students.

The position of the Chancellor of the University was created by the Board of Governors in 1994 and is a non decision-making role. The Chancellor is appointed by the Board of Governors for a period of five years, and this appointment may be renewed by the Board of Governors. Eng Ahmed El Sewedy was appointed on 1 September 2024 for a period of five years.

How does the University appoint a new Chancellor?

The Chancellor does not hold any other office within the University and therefore the post holder will have no actual or perceived conflict of interest relating to the work of the University Group. The post holder may however be considered for an Honorary Professorship as part of the appointment process.

The process for appointing a new Chancellor begins with comprehensive due diligence being undertaken on any prospective candidate put forward by the Vice-Chancellor. Candidates must demonstrably share the Group’s values and mission, recognising the importance of Higher Education, learning and research. On a personal level, they should be a highly respected individual with a positive public profile that resonates with students, staff and alumni alike. Throughout their career, they will have shown excellence in their chosen field and preferably have a global reputation. Furthermore, prospective candidates will show a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and be able to inspire a diverse range of audiences.

Once a candidate who meets the above criteria has been selected, the Governance and Nominations Committee will consider the individual for appointment to the role. In doing so, the Committee is required to show due regard to succession planning and equality, diversity and inclusion. The Committee itself comprises external governors only, with the Vice-Chancellor or Provost also in attendance. If the Committee is satisfied that the proposed candidate meets the essential criteria for the role and poses no conflicts of interest or other concerns, a recommendation will be made to the Vice-Chancellor and the Chair of the Board of Governors to approve the appointment of the new Chancellor. The new Chancellor will be inaugurated during the first graduation event following the announcement of their appointment.

Find further information about Eng Ahmed El Sewedy and his distinguished global career.

Former Chancellors

The Lord Plumb of Coleshill DL, 1995 to 31 August 2007
Sir John Egan, 1 September 2007 to 2012, and 1 September 2012 to 2017
Margaret Casely-Hayford, June 2017 to August 2024

Pro-Chancellors

Pro-Chancellors of the university act in the absence of the Chancellor to undertake tasks in his name. The Pro-Chancellors include the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors.

Current Pro-Chancellors

Nick Sale (Chair of the Board of Governors)
Helen Nixseaman (Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors)
Keith Bissett 2021-2026
Kevin Baughan 2024-29
Simon Carter 2023-2028
Dr Sue Horner 2024-2029
Andy Meehan 2021-2026
Frank Mills 2023-2028
Robert Stockdale 2023-2028

Former Pro-Chancellors

Terence Libby 1995-1999, 1999-2002
Patrick Lister 1988-1996, 1996-2001, 2001-2006
George Marsh 1996-2002, 2002-2007, 2007-2012
Richard Parham 2001-2006, 2006-2011
Ian Caulfield 2006-2009, 2009-2011, 2011-2016
Celia Fitzhugh 1998-2003, 2003-2008, 2008-2013
Ernest Petrie 2002-2006, 2006-2011, 2011-2016
David Burton 2006-2009, 2009-2014, 2014-2019
Alan Richardson 2008-2010, 2010-2014, 2015-2020
Michael Judge 2006-2011, 2011 - 2016, 2016-2021
Stephen Parker 2014-2018, 2018-2023
Tim Matthews 2018-2023
Jim Norton 2018-2023