Welcome from Prof. Ian Campbell

Welcome to the University of Wolverhampton’s Annual Report 2020/21.

I joined the University in December 2021 as interim Vice-Chancellor, following the retirement of Professor Geoff Layer. I would like to start by paying tribute to Geoff’s time at the University. During his 10 years leading the institution, Geoff pushed for the student experience to be placed at the heart of all we do, encouraging further regional engagement and reinventing us as the University of Opportunity.

This focus is emphasised in the institution’s new strategic plan, Vision 2030, which launched in 2020/2021 and sets the University’s missions and goals for the coming 10 years. The plan’s overarching aim is to transform the leadership and workforce through inclusive student success and world-class research, developing the ideas of ‘people’ and ‘place’ across the institution.

This online Annual Report is themed around the Vision 2030 strategies of Students and Education, Regional Engagement, Research and Global Opportunities. We hope you enjoy reading about developments and achievements across these core areas.

During the academic year 2020/2021, the University faced continued challenges and pressures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Throughout, our students and staff have admirably contended with working and lecturing remotely and the subsequent return to on-campus teaching and learning, rising to the challenges of the unprecedented situation. We thank them all for their commitment.

We are extremely proud of what the University has achieved in these challenging times, and would like to thank our regional partners for their continued support as we move forward.

Please enjoy this review of 2020/21.

Professor Ian G. Campbell

Interim Vice-Chancellor