University of Staffordshire has appointed a new leader who will oversee its next phase of development.
Professor Amanda Coffey, currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), will become Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive on Monday, 1 March 2027.
She will succeed the current interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Philip Plowden, who will continue to lead the university until her arrival to ensure a smooth transition.
Professor Coffey brings more than three decades of higher education experience, including 10 years at university executive level.
A social scientist with particular expertise in social policy and qualitative research, she spent around 30 years at Cardiff University, progressing through academic and senior leadership roles, before joining UWE in 2020.
At UWE, she is responsible for learning and teaching, research and enterprise, academic quality, student experience and academic development, as well as overseeing strategic growth and education partnerships.
Her current remit covers more than 30,000 students and around 1,500 academic staff.
Dame Kate Barker, Chair-Elect of the University’s Board of Governors, said: “Amanda brings exactly the combination of academic leadership and experience at scale that University of Staffordshire needs for its next chapter.
“She has a deep understanding of what makes a university work well for its students, its staff and the communities it serves, and we were impressed by her ambition for the University and for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
“I would also like to thank Philip for his outstanding leadership as Interim Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive. He has guided the University through a period of real success, and Amanda will be building on his foundations.”
Professor Coffey said: “I am delighted to be joining University of Staffordshire at such an exciting time. This is a university with a clear sense of purpose, a real commitment to opening up opportunity, and deep roots in its region. I am looking forward to getting to know students, colleagues and partners, and to working together to build on everything that has been achieved.”
The appointment comes during a period of success and investment for University of Staffordshire.
The university was named Modern University of the Year 2027 in the Daily Mail University Guide and ranked seventh nationally for overall student positivity in the National Student Survey.
It also opened its new £100 million Student Village this autumn.
