Published on 31 May 2024
The University of Sunderland today paid tribute to governor Ian Martin who has passed away.
Ian, who had been a governor at the University since February 2018, died last weekend.
He had been the lead governor for the University of Sunderland in London and was also a member of the Academic Assurance Committee.
As part of a distinguished medical career, Ian had been a consultant in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), specialising in head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgery, in Sunderland since 1993.
In 2013 he became executive medical director and GMC responsible officer at City Hospitals Sunderland NHS FT. Ian was also president of the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (BAOMS), and a member of council of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University of Sunderland, said: "Ian was the epitome of a ‘critical friend’. He had a forensic mind and would properly and rigorously challenge me and other members of the Executive to ensure that our ideas were sound and defensible.
"At the same time, both in public and in private, he was a good and loyal friend, not least to staff and students at the University of Sunderland in London where he was the link governor.
"We mourn Ian’s passing and his family remain in our thoughts at this sad time."
Farooq Hakim, Chair of the Board of Governors, added: "Ian was such an energetic and engaging person both at a professional and personal level. Through his passion for education he will leave a great legacy for the contribution he has made to the University."