University teacher honoured to become the Civic Head of his District

Dan Kinsey, a Student Transitions Teacher in the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences at the University of Wolverhampton, has been elected to the role of Chairman of South Staffordshire District Council.

Dan, a History teacher who also teaches on the University's Foundation Year course, was elected to the role on 7 May this year, and will spend his twelve months in the role representing the District to the wider world, chairing Full Council meetings and raising money for his chosen good causes.

Back in 2022, Dan was awarded a BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Talking about being elected as Chairman, he said: "I almost feel I shouldn’t be here. It’s impostor syndrome. Growing up on a Council estate, I never ever thought I’d be teaching at a University, Honoured by the Queen, and given the honour to represent my District. It all seems so improbable! Above all, I have to thank my parents and family for all they have done in raising me right."

Dan is spending his Chairman’s year raising funds for three charities and said: "I’m nothing if not ambitious, so I’ve chosen three charities to support in my Civic Year. These are Papyrus, supporting young peoples’ mental health and suicide prevention; Staffordshire Blood Bikes, and South Staffordshire First Responders, each providing vital emergency assistance when we are at our most vulnerable. I hope you will be able to support me in raising money for these genuinely wonderful charities this year."

In order to raise funds, excitingly Dan will be doing a Sky Dive later this summer.

If you are able to support Dan in his fundraising efforts, you can do so via this JustGiving link.

For more information about studying at the University of Wolverhampton and for courses available in the School of Social Science and Humanities check out the website. 

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