Vice-Chancellor shortlisted for Guardian award

Professor Debra Humphris is in the running for the Inspiring Leader Award in the Guardian’s Higher Education Awards. The winner will be determined by a public vote on the Guardian Higher Education Network.

The award, which will be presented on 24 April, will recognise an individual who has demonstrated inspirational leadership, vision, and new approaches to working and engagement.

Professor Humphris is one of only five names on the final shortlist, which was selected by a panel of education experts.

Professor Humphris said: “Whilst on a personal basis I am hugely flattered to be shortlisted for this award I regard it as welcome and much-deserved recognition for the entire community at the University of Brighton. Everyone here is working hard to ensure the best possible experience for our students and to support our excellent teaching, world-leading research and community engagement.”

Professor Humphris took up post as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Brighton in December 2015.

Professor Debra Humphris

In 2017 she was elected to chair the Universities UK Student Policy Network and was subsequently returned in March 2018 to serve a further three years. In addition she Chair’s the UCEA Clinical Academic Staff Advisory Group (CASAG), which now includes a representative from the Council of Deans of Health. Debra is a member of the Coast to Capital LEP Board and is Treasurer to University Alliance.

Debra joined University of Brighton from Imperial College in London, where she held the position of Vice-Provost (Education) between 2012 and 2015. In three years she effected real change in the college’s position on teaching and learning, developing their first education and student strategy. On leaving the College she was made a lifetime member of the Imperial College Union of students. As an openly LGBT senior leader in higher education, Debra is passionate about equality and diversity.

The public vote closes on Friday 6 April. The winner will be announced at the Guardian University Awards in London on 24 April.