Dr Penny Haughan has been appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor and Rector of Liverpool Hope University, with a focus on leading the institution as we see through delivery of the strategic plan up to 2028.
Dr Haughan brings a wealth of experience to the role, including 30 years of distinguished service at Liverpool Hope University with half of that time spent in leadership positions.
Mrs Jane Beever, Chair of Council, announced her appointment today: “I am delighted to announce on behalf of Council that we have appointed Dr Penny Haughan to the role of Vice-Chancellor and Rector of Liverpool Hope University. Dr Haughan’s service to Hope, alongside her passion for student experience and academic quality, make us confident she is the best candidate to lead the institution at this critical time. I look forward to working closely with her as we continue to deliver our ambitious strategic plan, building on recent successes to ensure we are an institution fit for the future.”
As Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Liverpool Hope University, Dr Haughan has proudly led the University’s work around the Teaching Excellence Framework and spearheaded the work that has led to excellent National Student Survey results in recent years. She has led the Women in Leadership programme at Hope and has championed student voice within the University.
Prior to this role she was Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Life and Learning at Hope, making a critical contribution to the student experience particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, while previously having held roles including Dean of Students and Dean of Sciences and Social Sciences. She was a key part of the management team who enjoyed a historic moment when Hope gained university status in 2005. Before moving into leadership roles, Dr Haughan worked as a lecturer in biology, initially joining Hope in 1995.
Outside Hope, Dr Haughan also sits on the Board of Governors at Ravensbourne University London, Wirral Met College and a local primary school in Warrington.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Haughan noted: “I am immensely honoured to have the opportunity to serve Liverpool Hope as Vice-Chancellor. I strongly believe this University has a great future and I am committed to ensuring that we work together towards further success.
“Hope has many strengths, not least its incredible staff, excellent research, passionate approach to learning and teaching, commitment to student empowerment and to developing partnerships. I want to ensure that we harness all of this to the benefit of both the University and our broader city region.
“I consider Hope to be an inspirational place to work with wonderful colleagues and students. I look forward to working with the whole Hope community as we build our future together.”
Dr Haughan will formally take up the role of Vice-Chancellor and Rector in April 2026.