KEELE NEWS AND UPDATES
Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Vice-Chancellor
It has been just a few months since I joined Keele as Vice-Chancellor, and I could not have wished for a warmer welcome. From my first days on campus, I have been struck by the sense of purpose, openness, and pride that defines this University. Keele is a special place – one that brings people together from different disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives to learn, think, and create in ways that genuinely change lives.
4 | FOREVER Keele
KEELE NEWS AND UPDATES
Building the future Keele together
Professor Kevin Shakesheff, Vice-Chancellor
It has been just a few months since I joined Keele as Vice-Chancellor, and I could not have wished for a warmer welcome. From my first days on campus, I have been struck by the sense of purpose, openness, and pride that defines this University. Keele is a special place – one that brings people together from different disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives to learn, think, and create in ways that genuinely change lives.
These early months have been both busy and inspiring. I have seen the best of Keele in our world-leading research, our dedication to students, and our deep-rooted commitment to community. Highlights have ranged from meeting students who speak passionately about their studies and their ambitions, to visiting research teams tackling some of society’ s most pressing challenges, to hearing from partners across the region who value Keele’ s role as a trusted civic anchor. Every encounter has reinforced my belief that Keele’ s strengths lie not just in what we do, but in how we do it – through collaboration, compassion, and curiosity.
Keele’ s founding ethos – to provide a broadbased, multidisciplinary education – feels more relevant today than ever. At a time when society and the workplace are changing rapidly, students need more than specialist knowledge. They need the confidence to think critically, the imagination to cross boundaries, and the resilience to adapt to new challenges. Keele’ s distinctive model of education, rooted in breadth and integration, continues to equip our graduates with exactly those qualities. Our commitment is to ensure that every student leaves Keele not only well qualified, but also prepared to make a positive impact in their communities and in the wider world.
That commitment to students will remain at the heart of everything we do. It is seen in the care and attention given by our staff, in our strong record for student satisfaction, and in the culture of belonging that so many of you will remember from your own time here. As we look ahead, I want us to build on those foundations and strengthen the support, challenge, and opportunities we offer every Keele student – from innovative teaching and flexible learning pathways to an environment that nurtures wellbeing and ambition in equal measure.