Hallam Deputy Vice-Chancellor to join Staffordshire as Vice Chancellor

21st December 2015

Professor Liz Barnes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University, is to take up the role of Vice-Chancellor of Staffordshire University from 1 April 2016.

Professor Barnes joined Sheffield Hallam in January 2014 as Deputy Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for shaping the University's academic portfolio, enhancing the experience for Sheffield Hallam's 33,000 students, leading information and technology services, and development of the University's partnerships with colleges, international institutions and employers. Sheffield Hallam Vice-Chancellor Professor Philip Jones said: "I am immensely pleased for Liz, her appointment to the role of Vice-Chancellor is well-earned and well-deserved, and I wish her every success. "Liz will leave Sheffield Hallam well placed to build on the work which she has overseen in her time here as Deputy Vice-Chancellor. I would like to thank her for her dedication over the last two years, during which time the University has achieved a great deal. "Over the coming months, I know she will work closely with my own successor, Professor Chris Husbands, to effect a smooth transition and help shape the future of the University and role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor within that." Professor Barnes' work to enhance learning and teaching has instigated annual conferences to share best practice within the institution, and pioneered the use of social media to support learning. This has secured more than 10 sector awards for excellence, and resulted in the creation of two National Teaching Fellows. Her focus on extending the University's partnerships, particularly with national and international employers, has led to Sheffield Hallam becoming a trailblazer for the new Higher and Degree Apprenticeships programme, which began this September after the University successfully bid for funding more than 240 higher apprenticeship places - the highest allocation for any university - in subjects including engineering, business and management, facilities management and construction. Professor Barnes said: -I am delighted to be joining Staffordshire University as the next Vice-Chancellor. I have a strong understanding and commitment for the region and realise the important role that Staffordshire University has in developing our future leaders and entrepreneurs. I look forward to meeting and working with the staff and students and partners in the region and helping reinforce a vibrant academic culture and a student experience second to none. For press information: contact Ally Mogg in the Sheffield Hallam University press office on 0114 225 2811 or email pressoffice@shu.ac.uk