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The Education and Student Life portfolio at Sussex is currently led by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education & Students), Professor Kate O’Riordan, with two Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellors (DPVCs): Professor Graeme Pedlingham and Professor Claire Smith. Graeme and Claire have both reached their maximum term of office, having made very significant contributions to education at Sussex, including leadership through the Covid-19 pandemic. Professor Lara McMurtry has been appointed to the one DPVC role which replaces these two roles.  

Claire and Graeme’s achievements  

Claire led the major curriculum reform project, Curriculum Reimagined, which resulted in the development of the new Sussex Academic Framework, a new approach to how the curriculum is represented in the prospectus, and a revised approach to Sussex Choice. She chaired the Portfolio Approval Sub Committee, leading on the development of the taught curriculum at Sussex. Claire also chaired the Digital Education Group, mapping the digital ecosystems at the University and leading on AI pilots and digital exams. Claire’s expertise will continue to inform approaches to the digital experience at Sussex through her membership of the Sussex 2035 Digital and Data Futures Task Force, as well as her role in the Brighton and Sussex Medical School.  

During his tenure, Graeme developed the University’s approach to Student Experience and Outcome Planning and has led on Student Voice, Academic Personal Tutoring, Attendance and Engagement, and on major reviews of different areas of the education portfolio. One outcome of his work has been the University formally adopting and implementing a social model of disability through a sector-leading approach to reasonable adjustments. Graeme also led on the submission of the University’s current Access and Participation Plan, and his commitment to inclusion and access to education have profoundly shaped the student experience at Sussex. As announced last year, Graeme will become the next Dean of the Sussex School for Progressive Futures as Professor Buzz Harrison steps down.  

Replacing the two DPVC roles will be a single new DVPC role to support the leadership of the Education and Student Life portfolio. Following an internal application process, Professor Lara McMurtry, from the Faculty of Social Sciences, has been appointed to the role of Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education & Students).  

Reflections from Kate and Sasha  

Professor Kate O’Riordan said: “I have learnt a huge amount from Graeme and Claire and have relied on their expertise, commitment, and collegiality in my role. They have shaped the education portfolio at Sussex in ways that will continue to have a positive impact on the student experience and profile of the institution over the next decade and beyond. I am immensely grateful to them both.  

“I am also really pleased that Professor Lara McMurtry has accepted the DPVC role, which will replace these roles. I’ve worked with Lara in her role as Associate Dean for Education and Students in the Faculty of Social Sciences where she has done excellent work, and I look forward to working with her in this new University-wide position.” 

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sasha Roseneil said: “I extend my warmest thanks to Graeme and Claire as they reach the end of their terms as DPVCs. In distinctive ways they have both provided extraordinary leadership of their portfolios, and the legacy of their work will be felt in the educational experience here at Sussex for years to come. As we continue to deliver on our ambitions for Sussex 2035, enabled by the Education and Students Strategic Plan, I am delighted to have appointed Lara to this new combined role, with her depth of relevant experience and her commitment to delivering the ambitions we have for education and student life at Sussex over the coming years.”