It is with great pride that I assume the role of Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of East London at a moment of such tremendous promise. The University is now six years into Vision 2028, our 10-year strategy and we are truly seeing our hard work, resilience and risk-taking come to fruition.

I have experienced first-hand the transformative impact of UEL. I am a proud alumnus, having earned my BA (Hons) in Business Studies and Economics in 1999. In 2018, I was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration, and I have served on our Board since 2022. I place great value on my relationship with UEL, and it is a privilege to provide the leadership that will ensure our students, staff and partners have similarly positive experiences. 
I assume the chair with the University in a strong financial position, holding no debt and with rigorously tested and ambitious plans for the future.

Analysis by top think tanks London Economics and Public First in 2021/22 found that the University’s economic impact on the UK was £814 million, with every £1 of income returning £4.24 to the economy. With the University having gone from strength to strength in that time, our economic impact will only have grown - forming a key part of the real-world impact all our activity is focussed on. Our connections with local and global communities have never been greater and underscore our role as a transformative leader in higher education.

However, we are also facing the headwinds of sector-wide challenges that will require commitment and innovative thinking. We face these challenges with the solid foundation provided by the past six years of Vision 2028. As Professor Amanda Broderick, our Vice-Chancellor and President, reminds us: our outcomes are a direct result of the innovation and perseverance that define our institution, and the resilient character of the people who come here to work and study.

I extend my deep thanks to Professor Broderick, our University Executive Board and all University staff for the dedication they bring to UEL every day. I also extend my deepest appreciation to my predecessor, John Garwood. Under John’s stewardship, the University of East London has achieved remarkable progress and growth. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding the University through a transformative period, leaving us in a position of strength.

I hope to build upon this strong foundation, and I am honoured to continue leading the University as we advance towards our goals for a careers-first, socially inclusive and sustainably impactful institution. Because even as we celebrate milestones, we remain committed to our mission of transforming lives, advancing knowledge, and contributing to a better future. Let us continue to build on this momentum and work together towards even greater accomplishments.

With best wishes,

Steve Armstrong

Chair, Board of Governors