Vice-Chancellor’s role for Professor Michael Young

Published on 18, February, 2025

The University of Sunderland’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academic, Professor Michael Young, has been named the new Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University.

Michael will start his new role on Monday 2 June 2025 following the recent retirement of current Edge Hill Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Cater.

As DVC Academic at Sunderland, Michael has been responsible for the University’s academic portfolio, teaching and learning, educational partnerships, and research. He has delivered ambitious strategies for student success, digital learning, and graduate prospects, and led a major expansion of University’s portfolio, helping to establish the medical school, online programmes, and degree apprenticeships.

Michael said: "It has been an absolute privilege to be part of the University of Sunderland community for the past – nearly nine – years.

"I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to inclusion, innovation and making an impact. We’ve driven ambitious and transformational strategies that are delivering opportunity and success for our students.

"While I look forward to my new role at Edge Hill University, I will always cherish my time at this inspiring and forward-thinking University."

Prior to his role in Sunderland, Michael was formerly Pro Vice-Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) at De Montfort University, Pro-Warden (Students and Learning Development) at Goldsmiths, University of London and the Head of Music.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Sunderland, said: "While I am sorry to lose Michael from Sunderland, I am delighted that he will be taking up the Vice-Chancellor’s role at Edge Hill University.

"This is a richly deserved promotion given Michael’s outstanding contribution and all that he has achieved during his time with us. He can be immensely proud of his legacy and the fact that he has been an integral part of our growing success in recent years.

"From the University’s perspective, Michael is the second colleague in two years to leave Sunderland and go onto become a Vice-Chancellor. That speaks volumes about our strong reputation in the higher education sector and the fact that talented people can come here to develop their careers in many different ways."

Clive Elliott, Pro Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Governors at Edge Hill University, said: "Michael is an outstanding appointment. His breadth of experience, commitment to higher education and his strong alignment with Edge Hill’s values mean that he is the ideal person to take forward the outstanding legacy left by Dr John Cater."

The Vice-Chancellor and the University Executive are now working on plans for Michael’s replacement which need to be approved by the Board of Governors at its meeting in late March. After that, an announcement will be made to the University community.

>