As Vice-Chancellor, he has overseen the University’s response to COVID-19 and return to campus for the new academic year, including the introduction of a range of academic, financial, social and wellbeing measures to support students and enhance their overall experience.  

During this time, Professor Egbu has also formally launched the University’s new five-year Strategic Plan, which was developed with input from its staff, students, Board of Governors, alumni, partners and stakeholders following a comprehensive consultation process.  

Significant work has additionally been undertaken to develop the University’s capacity and capability to deliver its Vision and Strategic Plan for 2021-2026, including investing in academic and senior leadership roles.  

As part of this, Leeds Trinity has established a Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and an Office for Institutional Equity to help deliver its strategic ambitions, with founding Directors appointed to drive innovation and track progress. The University also plans to strengthen further senior leadership in Research. 

Professor Egbu said: “My first year in post as Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University has been incredibly rewarding and inspiring, and I feel excited about the future as we begin to deliver our ambitious new Strategic Plan for the next five years. 

“While my first year has had its challenges due to the pandemic, I am proud to have seen colleagues and students adapt to each obstacle with determination and perseverance, and for the University to have remained true to its personal and inclusive ‘name, not a number’ ethos. 

“Looking ahead, I’m eager to develop our work with organisations in the Leeds City Region and beyond, and I am certain with the support, innovation and drive of everybody in our community, the next 12 months at Leeds Trinity University will continue to be exciting and successful.” 

Professor Malcolm Todd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, added: “Under the leadership of Professor Egbu, Leeds Trinity University is growing as an institution and we are building on our reputation for excellent learning and teaching, and graduate outcomes. Our approach will also ensure our research culture continues to flourish. 

“This is an exciting time for students, colleagues and the University itself, and there is much to look forward to.” 

Providing a framework for the institution’s growth plans, Leeds Trinity University’s Strategic Plan 2021-2026 is built around the four Strategic Pillars of ‘Education and Experience’, ‘People and Sustainability’, ‘Research, Impact and Innovation’, and ‘Careers and Enterprise’. This is supported by the two key themes of Digital Futures and the Leeds City Region. 

In his first year in post, Professor Egbu has represented Leeds Trinity on these matters by discussing key topics and challenges at public events and on expert panels with regional and sector leaders, including the inaugural Sky News Big Ideas Live series. 

The University has also been recognised for its equality, diversity and inclusion work undertaken so far, having received the Race Equality Charter Bronze award and the Whatuni Student Choice Award for Diversity and Inclusion. 

Watch Professor Charles Egbu’s reflections on his first year at Leeds Trinity University on YouTube.