"I still feel the immense pride of being appointed Chancellor today as I did then.”
These are the words of Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE as she prepares to step down after seven years as Chancellor of Coventry University Group.
Margaret took up the role in 2017 and says
“the things that first drew me to Coventry University Group still captivate me to this day”.
She also picked out some of the university’s achievements during her tenure that brought her great satisfaction including being rated Gold by the Teaching Excellence Framework, receiving a highest-ever placing in the recent QS World University Rankings and being ranked 165th in the World’s Youngest Universities standings.
Looking back over her time at Coventry University, Margaret said:
“Since I took up the role as Chancellor in 2017, this incredible university has excelled year after year and I am delighted to be leaving the Group in a position of considerable strength. What continues to amaze me most about Coventry University is its collegiality. I have seen us strengthen our reputation as a diverse and inclusive organisation that has opened the door of higher education to all those who can benefit.
“Through the education we deliver, the pioneering research we carry out, our collaborations with industry and our network of colleagues around the world, we provide our students and communities with the tangible skills they need to succeed.
“Despite being in the post for the past seven years, the things that first drew me to Coventry University Group still captivate me to this day. I still feel the immense pride of being appointed Chancellor today as I did then and, as I look toward my departure, I’m struck by an enormous range of emotions.
“We are an organisation that dares to be different. We are a university group where social mobility and inclusion complement each other perfectly in true entrepreneurial spirit. We live in an increasingly fractious and volatile world, but Coventry University has always stayed true to its mission and vision and I’m incredibly proud of this fact.
“Creating better futures is one thing but helping students reach their potential and seize opportunities that perhaps were once unimaginable, no matter their background, is what we do best, and I am sure this will continue to be delivered for years to come.”
Margaret spent many years working as a lawyer and was formerly the director of legal services at the John Lewis Partnership. She has been a non-executive member of the Board of the Co-op group since 2016 and was appointed chair of Shakespeare’s Globe in 2018.
Professor John Latham CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Coventry University, said:
“Margaret has been an outstanding advocate and figurehead for Coventry University over the past seven years. She has flown the flag for the university and higher education here in Coventry and across the country, and leaves the university group having given her all in the role.
“We wish Margaret all the best for the future.”
Caption: Coventry University Vice-Chancellor John Latham CBE and outgoing Chancellor Margaret Casely-Hayford CBE.
https://www.coventry.ac.uk/