Vice-Chancellor to leave University of Plymouth

Professor Judith Petts CBE is retiring in the autumn
Judith Petts
The University of Plymouth’s Vice-Chancellor has announced that she will retire in September 2024, after nine years in the role.
Professor Judith Petts CBE informed the University’s Chair of Governors and Chancellor of her intentions this week, and a message has been shared with colleagues today (Wednesday 10 January).

This will be my ninth year at Plymouth and my 45th year in higher education, with a few years in the commercial world before that, so it is time for a change! The University is an amazing institution which we have all managed to get into a very sound position with an immensely strong reputation, not least for our impact – on our students, on innovation and our communities.

It has been an absolute privilege to work with so many talented colleagues at the University, to build and deliver on our Strategy 2030, and to have the opportunity to position the University so strongly with our major stakeholders. I know a new leader will have so much to build on.

Judith Petts DBEProfessor Dame Judith Petts DBE
Emeritus Professor

Professor Petts became Vice-Chancellor and CEO at Plymouth in February 2016, following on from senior roles at the Universities of Southampton and Birmingham.
Following today’s announcement, The University of Plymouth’s Board of Governors will begin the lengthy and careful process of selecting her successor

We all wish Judith well in her retirement and will be sad to see her leave. Great progress has been made by the University in recent years in the quality of teaching and research, and in the impact of both – regionally, nationally, and internationally. During the current academic year, we will ensure there are opportunities to celebrate all that Judith has achieved as Vice-Chancellor – and all that has been achieved by the University under her leadership.

Professor Simon Gaskell, chair of the University's Board of Governors