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# University of Suffolk welcomes new vice-chancellor
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/university-of-suffolk-welcomes-new-vice-chancellor/
- Published: 2024-09-03T04:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:36:45.000Z
- Description: Professor Jenny Higham has taken the helm as the new vice-chancellor of the University of Suffolk, bringing a wealth of experience from her previous role at St George's, University of London.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Higher Education, #article, University of Suffolk, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**The big picture:** Higham's appointment marks a new chapter for the university, which has been climbing UK rankings and garnering accolades for its facilities and career support.

![Jenny Higham](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1725297487-jenny-higham-uos-2.jpg)

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor, University of Suffolk Photo: Lucy Taylor (University of Suffolk)

**Key details:**

- Higham succeeds Professor Helen Langton MBE, who retired this summer.
- At St George's, Higham was the first female leader in its 290-year history.
- She holds national roles on the boards of UCEA and UUK, and is a Council member for the All-Party Parliamentary University Group.
- A vice-chancellor is the chief executive and principal academic and administrative officer of a university in the UK. They are responsible for the university's management and direction and are accountable to its governing body.

**What they're saying:**

- Jenny Higham: "It is an exciting time to join the University of Suffolk - I am so delighted to be bringing my wealth of Higher Education experience to this rapidly progressing and ambitious university."
- Ian Ailles, Chair of the University Board: "Her sector knowledge and expertise will be a huge asset to the organisation as we continue to deliver our ambitious strategy for growth."

**By the numbers:**

- The university ranks in the top 60 in the UK in the 2025 Complete University Guide.
- It has climbed 68 places in the last three years.
- In the 2024 National Student Survey, it scored above the England average in all nine areas.

**Recent accolades:**

- First in the East of England for facilities in the 2024 WhatUni Student Choice Awards.
- Winner of the 'Career Coaching and Work Placements' award.

**The bottom line:** Higham's appointment comes at a time of growth and recognition for the University of Suffolk, setting the stage for continued progress in the coming years. We wish her all the best in her new role.

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