Delivering our strategy – new leadership appointments
12 Feb 2026
We are pleased to announce new appointments across our leadership community that will help us progress towards becoming a great civic university for the 21st century, creating knowledge for the public good, locally and globally.
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor said, “I am delighted to welcome members of our talented academic community into these important leadership roles. Clear, inclusive and determined leadership will be critical to how we deliver our strategy, and I know they will play a vital role in shaping how our ambitions are realised across the University.”
Find out more about each of our new appointments by clicking on their names.
Congratulating our new Associate Vice-Presidents
Joining Professor Jenn Hallam's team for Teaching, Learning and Students
- Professor Rebecca Hodgson, Associate Vice-President for Curriculum and Quality, will provide strategic leadership for the development, enhancement, and assurance of the University’s taught portfolio.
- Professor Rob Appleby, Associate Vice-President for Students, will provide academic leadership for the entire student journey, including admissions, access, and student success.
- Professor Sarah Dyer, Associate Vice-President for Teaching Excellence and Innovation, will lead the development and recognition of excellent teaching.
Joining Professor Colette Fagan’s team for Research
- Professor Angelia Wilson, Associate Vice-President for International, will lead the design and implementation of the international delivery plan for our University strategy across teaching, research and innovation.
Joining Professor John Holden’s team for Civic Engagement and Innovation
- Professor Aline Miller, Associate Vice-President for Enterprise, will focus on building a vibrant, connected innovation community across the University.
Joining Professor Nalin Thakkar’s team for Social Responsibility
- Professor John McAuliffe, Associate Vice-President for Cultural Portfolio, will work with colleagues to advance and coordinate activity across the University’s cultural portfolio, including its Cultural Institutions.
- Professor Mahesan Nirmalan, Associate Vice-President for Research Practice, will work closely with colleagues to promote responsible research practices, ensuring they are delivered to the highest standards of integrity.
Congratulating our Deputy Deans
- Professor Peter Green, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Professor Fiona Smyth, Deputy Dean for the Faculty of Humanities
Professors Peter Green (FSE) and Fiona Smyth (Humanities) join Allan Pacey (BMH), who was appointed in 2023, as Deputy Deans. Peter assumed the role in late 2026, and Fiona will take over once her appointment as Vice-Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Students is filled.
Congratulating our new Vice-Deans in FSE
- Professor Sarah Haigh, Vice-Dean for Research and Innovation
- Professor Scott Heath, Vice-Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students
Both Sarah and Scott will be part of the Faculty Executive, providing strategic decision making for the Faculty and ensuring structures, strategies and policies support the delivery of our University strategy.