Dame Denise Holt

Rosemary Martin

Please see the letter to colleagues from Dame Denise Holt, who was Chair of Council from 2018. 

Dear Colleagues, 

I am delighted to report that Rosemary Martin has been appointed as the new Chair of Council. Rosemary, herself an alumna of the University, has been a member of Council for a number of years, and acting Chair since January this year, in my absence on sick leave. She will take over the role on a substantive basis with immediate effect. 

Members of Council were delighted to approve Rosemary's appointment on the basis of a strong recommendation by the special panel created to fill this role. She will be an outstanding Chair and I wish her and Council the very best as they support our fantastic Vice-Chancellor and the University as a whole. The future looks bright! 

For myself, I should like to thank all those who have served on or worked with Council over the past six years, as well as all those members of staff who work so hard every day, but especially during lockdown, to deliver quality degrees. No one expected a global pandemic when I started!   

Looking forward, Sussex has good cause to feel optimistic, but tough challenges remain. As well as arguing our corner, the sector as a whole could perhaps work on its listening skills, and engage with our many stakeholders to ensure we are seen to be responding constructively to changing needs and interests. 

For me too, the University has been a place of learning and reflection. I have come to love the way the beautiful campus can be both calming and energising at the same time. I am excited by the commitment to growth and to the future of Sussex, as evidenced by the building programme. We will never be able to do everything we want; and people will always differ on their priorities. But I hope we can all agree that there is something special and enduring about the University of Sussex. We know because our alumni tell us so. 

I wish you all the very best in your personal and professional futures. 

All best 

Denise