Annual Review 2021

A welcome from our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Eunice Simmons

A word from our Chancellor, Gyles Brandreth

As B B King used to say, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”   Getting it in the first place is the challenge in this uncertain world – and I am proud to say that, over the past two years, everyone involved in the University of Chester has been rising to that challenge with real passion and commitment.

Whether it be uncertainties about the progression of the coronavirus pandemic, how to respond best to the climate crisis, or concerns relating to our families and employment prospects, it seems that we are all facing (yet again!) unprecedented times.  This uncertainty has become a feature in all of our lives, affecting our ability to plan and make decisions with conviction. 

That said, uncertainty cannot - and has not - stopped us from moving forward during the 2020/21 academic year.  If anything, it has brought out the best in us.  A commitment to reaching out and making connections, and to building our resilience and adaptability, has equipped us well and enabled us to move forward with confidence.  With these values for our times in mind, we have continued to evolve our Citizen Student Strategy and, crucially, what it actually looks like in action. 

This year’s Review is a showcase for that action and, as always, a celebration of our wonderful network of students, staff and communities.

Gyles Brandreth