University of Portsmouth chancellor steps down after ten 'magical' years
A university chancellor is stepping down after ten “joyous” years
After a decade of service, the University of Portsmouth’s Chancellor has announced her departure at the start of next year.
Karen Blackett CBE has said the past ten years at the university, which has approximately 29,000 students, has been “magical” as she prepares to step down at the start of 2027.
Since her appointment in 2017, the UoP alumna has served the university with distinction, bringing a wealth of experience from a career as a business leader in the marketing communications industry.
The Chancellor, who is the ceremonial head of the university and its most prominent ambassador, said: “The University of Portsmouth had a huge role in shaping the person I am today having attended as an undergraduate. It has been a joy to be invited back as Chancellor, and the last ten years have been nothing but magical. Although I step down as Chancellor, the University and Portsmouth will always be in my heart.”
Karen graduated from the university in 1992 with a degree in geography and her first role was at CIA MediaNetwork, where she was quickly head-hunted by The Media Business Group. By 1999 she was among the board of directors before becoming the chairwoman of MediaCom UK and Ireland in 2016.
In September 2021, Karen became one of the founding trustees of a new national charity, Black Equity Organisation (BEO), focused exclusively on dismantling systemic racism across a spectrum of issues affecting Black communities in the UK.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Graham Galbraith CBE, said: “I am enormously grateful for the dedication and commitment that Karen has shown to the University during her tenure. Throughout a decade marked by change, growth, and at times considerable challenge, she has provided us with wise counsel and powerful advocacy.
“As an alumna, Karen understands first-hand the transformative power of higher education. She has brought that passion and experience back to Portsmouth, particularly through the time she has generously given to engage and inspire our students.
“She will always remain a great friend of the University and be an important part of our University community. We all wish her well for whatever roles or challenges she next undertakes and will always support her in the way she has supported us.”
The process to identify the next Chancellor will now begin, with people being invited to offer their nominations for the role by 11.45pm on May 27.
Nominations will then be considered, with conversations held with suitable candidates before a final decision is made by the board of governors, with the new chancellor being announced later this year.