An introductory message from Kerry Burke, SEED's new School Operations Manager

11 Feb 2026

Kerry Burke will join the School of Environment, Education and Development as School Operations Manager, taking over from Lucy Adams. She will be working in SEED two days a week from mid-March before starting her new role fully on 6th April.

I’m excited to step into the role of School Operations Manager in SEED, where I’ll be supporting the continued growth and smooth running of the School. After 20 years at the University, I’ve built up a broad mix of experience across operational management, people support, and process improvement.  Most of my career has been in Medical Sciences, both within research support and operations so I’m really looking forward to seeing how another area of the University works and understand the challenges Humanities faces.  I love meeting people so I’m excited to get to know the PS and academic colleagues I will be working with. 

At SMS (School of Medical Sciences) I led several estates projects (some say it’s my passion, but it’s more out of necessity working in Stopford).  Highlights include redeveloping teaching spaces to support the delivery of Team Based Learning (TBL) on the medical programme, collaborating with dental colleagues in the trust to open an Advanced Dental Education Centre and I’ve even supported recovery planning after a fire at the Paterson Institute in Withington. 

Over the next 2 years I plan to ensure that SEED continues to move forward with implementing change – whether that’s through the launch of People Connect or Future Foundations. 

Outside of work, I’m usually acting as taxi driver to two small children and their never‑ending activities. When I do find some time for myself, I love open‑water swimming, dabbling at triathlons (as a very slow beginner) and trying out a bit of DIY using skills I’ve been picking up through evening classes.