Professor Robert Mokaya appointed Provost and DVC at University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield has announced the appointment of Professor Robert Mokaya (OBE, FRS) as its new Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

Professor Mokaya will take up the role on 17 June, which will see him represent the University at a local, national and international level and play a significant role in the delivery of the University’s vision and strategy.

Professor Mokaya is currently Professor of Materials Chemistry and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Nottingham, where he has responsibility for the University’s global strategy covering all areas of the world, including oversight of the University’s international campuses.

The University of Sheffield’s President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Koen Lamberts said:

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Mokaya to the University of Sheffield. He brings a wealth of experience in leadership, strategic oversight, and groundbreaking research and will be key to delivering the University’s vision and strategy.”

Professor Mokaya said:

“I am delighted to be joining the University of Sheffield, which has a global reputation for excellence, impact and research-led learning and teaching, with a clear commitment to make a positive, meaningful difference to the world.

“I look forward to getting to know the university’s vibrant community of students and staff, and hope to harness my knowledge and experience to support and drive the university’s ambitions as we work together in the years to come.”

Professor Mokaya is currently a member of the University of Nottingham’s University Executive Board (UEB), where he contributes to steering and supporting the overall strategic direction of the University.

In his current role at Nottingham Professor Mokaya is also the strategic lead for Environmental Sustainability and chairs the Environmental Sustainability Committee. He was previously the interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and People, providing leadership and strategic oversight of the University of Nottingham’s EDI agenda, and had responsibility for championing University-wide EDI priorities for students and staff.

Professor Mokaya will succeed Professor Gill Valentine at the University of Sheffield, who stood down from the role of Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the end of last year. He will take over from Lead Faculty Vice-President, Professor John Derrick, who has been providing support and leadership during this interim period.