David Maguire, Interim Vice-Chancellor

Dear colleagues,

This is my final message to you as Vice-Chancellor, as my term of office has come to an end. I would like to thank everyone at the University for your support during my short tenure. It is always a privilege to serve as a Vice-Chancellor, and especially so at a university as prestigious as Sussex. I have enjoyed getting to know many people at Sussex and have made many new friends.

Over the past academic year we have achieved much together. I am proud that we have made major progress and I’m especially pleased of our work on: implementing the Governance Effectiveness Review that is improving the way Sussex is governed; the Education Research Investment Programme that will invest £200m in improving the core fabric and processes of Sussex; concluding the Size and Shape programme, necessary for balancing the academic provision across schools; reaching agreement with UCU over pay and working conditions; the wonderful REF results (although I deserve no credit for them); and the bumper crop of graduation ceremonies, a highlight in any university calendar, but especially so when three years are rolled into one.

None of this could have been achieved without the close cooperation and support of many members of staff and student representatives for which I am very grateful. I have very much enjoyed and benefitted from working with you all. I would especially like to record my thanks to student and staff representative bodies for the open and collaborative discussions, to the university leadership team for their expert advice and work in implementing strategic initiatives, and the University Council for their unwavering support.

The University of Sussex is a very special and substantial entity that sometimes underestimates its own power and influence. There are many internal voices and different perspectives about what counts and what is important. The great concern for social justice is readily apparent and, for some, outcompetes the drive for academic excellence. To ensure continued future success, an alliance must be struck between these two concerns and both must be used together to give the university collective purpose and direction. 

Although I am stepping down as Vice-Chancellor, I will be maintaining a modest connection with Sussex providing quality assurance consulting support on some specific projects.

I am sure you will welcome the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, and help her lead the University to future success.

Thank you and goodbye,

David Maguire
Interim Vice-Chancellor