Introduction by our Vice-Chancellor
Universities shape lives. For almost two centuries, Sheffield Hallam - and its predecessor institutions - has exercised a powerful impact on the city, region, nation and world. It has an impressive history.
In rapidly changing times, the demands on universities are multiplying. The world needs universities to respond quickly, applying academic excellence, innovative research and open-minded engagement in new ways to meet society’s needs.
I arrived at the University as Vice-Chancellor in January 2016. Over the following twelve months, the University engaged in a thorough-going review of its strategy, re-examining its vision, values, mission, and plans against the background of seismic changes in higher education. I was struck by the enthusiasm across the University to ask, and answer, fundamental questions about the University, its impact and the way it works: there is a real engagement with change. This strategy is the result.
An innovative, imaginative university unafraid to take risks to make a difference
The strategy has three aims. It aims to reset the University’s level of ambition – not simply to be good, but to be globally outstanding at what we seek to do. It aims to articulate a clear direction, enabling us to make the tough choices which big and complex organisations often find difficult. And it aims to be succinct and clear, expressed in compelling ways which can command the engagement of the whole University. It is a strategy for the development of a truly great university – an innovative, imaginative university unafraid to take risks to make a difference.
This is a university physically and educationally at the heart of its city and region. It attracts remarkable students from the locality, the nation and globally. It has exceptional staff. It is well-placed to make a genuinely distinctive contribution to the world – shaping futures through outstanding education and by providing practical solutions to tough problems. Together, we will provide compelling answers to the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Professor Chris Husbands
Vice-Chancellor
