Words by Maisie Levitt, News Online Editor

The University of Sussex has appointed Professor Sasha Roseneil as its next Vice-Chancellor. Appointed this January but taking the position in August, the social scientist will be Sussex’s ninth Vice-Chancellor in its history and the first woman to take the role.

Currently Pro-Vost (Equity and Inclusion) and Dean of the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences at University College London (UCL), Professor Roseneil was chosen after “an extremely thorough and competitive recruitment process”, according to Dame Denise Holt, Chair of Council (Sussex’s governing body), 

Having led the recruitment process, Dame Denise Holt congratulated the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor. She said, “we are convinced that Professor Roseneil is the right person to lead this exciting new phase in the University’s development.” 

“She is hugely respected as a globally-influential researcher, valued colleague, and champion of the transformative power of education…Her expertise and influence will be invaluable in harnessing our shared values to create a better university for a better world.”

Professor David Maguire will continue as interim Vice-Chancellor until Professor Roseneil takes up the position over summer. In her statement, Dame Denise Holt also added, “I would like to record my appreciation for the excellent – and continuing – job David Maguire is doing in leading the University in this transitional period.”

At UCL, Professor Roseneil led the creation of a 10-year strategic vision for the social and historical sciences, which addressed key contemporary social changes. She plans to bring this strategic approach to Sussex, along with a commitment to interdisciplinarity. 

Since the appointment, Professor Roseneil has said “During its first 60 years, Sussex has established itself as one of the most innovative, progressive, and dynamic universities in the world.”

“Sussex’s future is extremely bright and I am hugely honoured to be appointed as its next Vice-Chancellor.”

“I will focus the energy and resources of the University on realising the full potential of its ground-breaking research, thought leadership and transformational education in the service of the common good…Sussex has a vital contribution to make in tackling these [environmental sustainability and intensified inequalities] problems and shaping a better future for all.”

With over 30 years as an academic, Professor Roseneil has developed an international reputation for pioneering research on gender, sexuality, intimate life, social change and social movements.

She has said that students will be at the core of her leadership at Sussex and has said that she aims to “ensure that we attract a diverse body of students with the potential to benefit from a Sussex education”.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *