Meet Vice-Chancellor Sharer West: A new era for students at University of Leeds
Professor Sharer West CBE has taken up the role of Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds.
I caught up with the Vice-Chancellor just a few weeks into her tenure, to address pressing questions from the student body.
Her arrival coincides with a significant milestone: the University of Leeds has climbed six places in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Students are eager to learn what steps she plans to take to build on this momentum and drive further improvements.
After seven years as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Nottingham, Professor West joins Leeds which she describes as a city “full of energy” and a university with a unique sense of social justice. A shining example of what the city and the university get right.
However, she openly acknowledges the challenges universities have faced over the years, particularly in addressing climate change. Although she commends the University of Leeds for its exceptional commitment to the environment.
“I’ve never been to a university so dedicated to the environment,” she says, highlighting Leeds’ significant interest in climate action.
“There is a pledge of a very large sum of money over the years to deepen the climate action… The University of Leeds is one of the UK’s leading research universities for environmental science, so we are contributing to helping the whole world solve these problems.”
This comes after the University of Leeds’ Great Hall was targeted by Just Stop Oil in October last year, calling for the university to cut all its ties with oil and gas industries.
The university has committed £174 million towards climate action over the next few years. However, Professor West acknowledges the financial challenges facing the sector, noting that the key hurdle will be ensuring the funds are effectively allocated and that the promised benefits are delivered.
Last month, the government announced plans to increase tuition fees, a decision likely to worsen the financial strain on students already facing challenges in affording university.
The rise in fees comes amid growing concerns over the cost of higher education, with many students and advocacy groups warning that the increase could further limit access to university for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Professor West acknowledges that while the tuition fee hike is relatively small, it will still have a significant impact on students. She points out that while fees don’t need to be repaid until after graduation, the real concern lies in the cost of living.
Although maintenance loans have been increased, she argues they aren’t enough to address the day-to-day financial pressures students face.
“This is what the government needs to think about, not just loans, but maintenance grants to help support students in university.”
On Leeds University Union (LUU) the Vice Chancellor praised their vital role in amplifying the student voice within the university’s decision-making processes.
“They are the elected representatives of the students, and they work in partnership with me and the executive team to address what students need,” she remarked, ensuring students have a say in all aspects of university life.
The Vice-Chancellor also commended LUU for their significant contributions to supporting mental health and wellbeing. However, she stressed the importance of ensuring that students are fully aware of the various resources available to them.
“One key aspect is making sure all the different elements of support for wellbeing and mental health are clearly understood by students, so they know where to turn for the help they need,” she said. She added that there may be more work to do in raising awareness about the full range of support services on offer.
As mental health and wellbeing remain pressing concerns, Professor West discussed the growing spotlight on graduate employability, a topic that has become increasingly critical in today’s competitive job market.
She highlighted the university’s strong industry connections, citing its network of 60 to 70 advisory boards where professionals collaborate with academics to enhance student opportunities and research. However, she notes there is room for improvement in ensuring all students benefit equally from these connections.
Despite Leeds’ impressive ranking as the fourth most sought-after university among graduate employers, according to the Higher Fliers review, the Vice-Chancellor suggested the university cannot rely solely on this success. “We’re doing really well, but I do feel that the experimental side of things- work experience, placement, internships, or study abroad- needs to be embedded more consistently across the university.”
The Access to Leeds programme is a contextual admissions programme for UK undergraduate applicants, providing additional support based on personal circumstances. It has supported around 10,000 students not only gain entry to university but thrive throughout their academic journey.
The programme stands out for its holistic approaching, starting before the student arrives on campus, and continuing with wraparound support throughout their studies.
While the programme has been praised for its efforts, the Vice-Chancellor says that it’s not just about getting students into university- it’s about ensuring they succeed. “The more we can invest in this programme, the better,” she said. This long-term focus aims to ensure disadvantaged students feel supported every step of the way, not just at the beginning of their university journey.
“If there’s one thing I hope to achieve during my time here, it’s ensuring that students are happy and that all satisfaction measures reflect how much they absolutely love being here.”
“To all the new students at this university, feeling anxious, homesick, or nervous is normal, but this is such a brilliant place. Most of us look back after graduation and think, ‘Why didn’t I appreciate all of this?’ Don’t dwell too much on the inevitably negative feelings you have- live in the moment and enjoy the experience.”
Words by Lana Conway
