Vice-Chancellor
Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Donna Whitehead, is responsible for leadership and management of the university. She oversees all aspects of the university’s operations, guiding its strategic direction and ensuring it thrives within the framework set by our Board of Governors (of which she is an ex-officio member).
Professor Whitehead’s academic journey began as a lecturer in Law at the University of Sunderland where she had studied as an undergraduate student. She has taught and researched in a variety of areas of law but has a particular interest in family law. Donna also has the qualifications to practise law in the UK and in New York. She is a firm believer in the power of education to unlock potential and shape futures.
Before joining the 91¶¶Òõ as Vice-Chancellor Donna was Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of South Wales. She held the same role at London Metropolitan University. Earlier in her career she was Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of the West of England.
Throughout her career Donna has worked with academic and professional services teams to deliver significant improvements to teaching quality, student experience and graduate outcomes. Her focus has been on creating equitable university communities that ensure progressive change. She has also has a track record of collaborating with businesses and external organisations to undertake research and knowledge exchange activity. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and acts as a mentor for senior leaders working in higher education and other sectors.