MEET THE NEW VICE-CHANCELLOR

Professor Shearer West CBE became the 14th Vice-Chancellor of the University in November. She spoke to Leeds about her excitement for the new role.

What excites you most about your new role at Leeds?

Where do I start? It’s such a wonderful place. The diversity of the staff and student community is one of the things I’m really looking forward to. Research at Leeds is fantastic, it’s research with impact. We’re tackling the big global challenges like climate change, healthcare issues, and right across the arts and social sciences research is also absolutely outstanding. The University plays so many roles in the city and the region, and I’m looking forward to learning about the region and working with local stakeholders.

Leeds isn't your first Vice-Chancellor role, you led the University of Nottingham for seven years. What are the biggest challenges facing UK universities over the coming decade?

There are many challenges facing UK universities, but several of them float to the surface. Financial sustainability of the sector in the UK is a challenge for all universities in the UK. Leeds is a global university, so the global geopolitical situation and instability will have an impact on Leeds, both in terms of our student recruitment and also in our international partnerships.

All organisations across the world are also struggling with technological change and technological challenges, and I think if we look at the rapidity of AI development, all of us are running to catch up with that. But I’m absolutely confident that we can address those challenges and thrive in what is quite a turbulent environment.

Leeds has one of the biggest alumni communities in the country, with more than 340,000 former students across 190 countries. What part do alumni have to play in Leeds’s future?

I think a whole wide variety of roles, particularly for our current students. I’m really proud of our global network of alumni, they give back so many things.

They help students with mentorship, career opportunities, and with financial support as well. I’m looking forward to meeting as many of our alumni around the world as I can in my time as Vice-Chancellor, because I do know what great contributions they make to everything the University does.

Many alumni who came here as students fell in love with Leeds the city. What are you most looking forward to about moving to West Yorkshire?

Many things, this is an amazing place. It’s a vibrant city, you can walk around the streets and feel the energy. Personally, I’m a lover of the arts and there is a plethora of opportunity in Leeds. You’ve got the Northern Ballet, Opera North, the Playhouse, the Henry Moore Institute, The Leeds Art Gallery. I’m incredibly excited about that, and I feel like this will be a wonderful place to live and work.

You were the first person in your family to go to university. How does it feel to go from a background with no higher education, to running a globally recognised institution?

I feel extremely proud and humbled to be at such a wonderful University, given my background. I have to say that what I learned from my background is that education is the way forward for your ambition. Coming to Leeds I’d like to be a role model for students who come from similar backgrounds to mine, and achieve their ambitions whatever they may be.