Yorkshire Universities comprises a diverse range of institutions, each hosting staff and students from various backgrounds. International Women’s Day 2025, provides a timely opportunity for YU to consider how women and girls can pursue leadership and decision-making roles across the higher education sector and in the Yorkshire & Humber region. In line with this year’s theme, #AcceleratingAction, we have chosen to highlight the inspirational voices and advice of female vice-chancellors from across our membership, showcasing their leadership journeys.
We asked our vice-chancellors: What inspired you to pursue a leadership role in higher education (HE), and what advice would you give to aspiring women seeking leadership positions?
Professor Karen Bryan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of York St John University, details the importance of taking every opportunity and urges women to step outside of their comfort zone:
“My journey into leadership in higher education began by embracing opportunities as they arose, rather than a deliberate pursuit of leadership roles. Each “yes” opened new doors, and once I stepped into leadership, I never looked back. It has allowed me to collaborate with talented and passionate individuals, supporting ideas and innovations to drive progress in teaching, research, and in the broader social impact we make in our communities.
Leadership is not without its challenges, but it is hugely rewarding. The truth is, we are all leaders in some capacity—whether delivering a lecture, managing a project, or even taking responsibility for planning a family holiday. Each of us possesses strengths and attributes that naturally lend themselves to leadership. The key is recognising those skills and finding impactful ways to demonstrate them in your work. My final piece of advice is this: don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and, inevitably you will make occasional mistakes. What matters most is not the missteps themselves, but how you learn from them to grow as a professional and as a leader.”
Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, describes the influence of her role models and reminds women to be brave:
“I’m not sure I can pinpoint the moment I was inspired to become a leader in HE, but a series of fantastic role models, many of them women, showed me the possibility was there. I’ve always wanted to make a difference to other people’s lives – and HE is a brilliant place to do that, through the great diversity of activities universities deliver. Leadership in HE is never boring, and always inspiring!
I would encourage other women aspiring to leadership positions to be brave and grasp opportunities, lean on mentors for support and to remember that your leadership skills are never a finished article. Finally, remember that it is possible to always lead with kindness and respect, despite the challenging context in which we are all living and working.”
Professor Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds, highlights the influence of her own education and encourages women to embrace the lessons of failure:
“From my own experience, I know that education can be transformational. I owe a lot to my University education, as it enabled my personal growth as well as nurturing my academic interests. University exposed me to many different ideas and perspectives, allowed me to explore my independence, and generally made my world much bigger and more hopeful. Since gaining a PhD scholarship in the UK, I have never looked back.
My biggest piece of advice for women seeking leadership positions would be to embrace the lessons of failure. Don’t be afraid to change your mind and admit mistakes, as this is what will help you to grow. You will inevitably encounter obstacles, but if you are open to learn and if you retain your empathy, you have a good chance of overcoming them and succeeding on your chosen path.”
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, recalls witnessing the transformative power of values led leadership and urges women to seek out and support female talent:
“My early thoughts on leadership in higher education had their beginnings in my early career in Nursing where I witnessed the transformative power of values led leadership. This type of leadership whilst not widespread at the time brought a focus on people, respect and strong senses of collective purpose. Observing and experiencing this type of leadership combined with the powerful impact that education has on health and wellbeing inspired me to believe that I could make a difference as a leader in higher education.
My passion has been centred on inclusive approaches to education, I am deeply committed to creating inclusive cultures where difference and talent is nurtured, liberated and valued. My advice to women seeking leadership positions is to know and believe in yourself, deliberately observe leaders in action, reflective and learn from their and your own success and challenges, always seek out and support female talent. Celebrate the impact and success of others.”
Professor Simone Wonnacott, Vice-Chancellor of Leeds Arts University, documents her experience of self-development and encourages women to actively take up challenges:
“To be frank, this was a gradual process, not something I had a clear aspiration for from a younger age. However, I’ve always relished a challenge so when chances to extend myself came along I’ve always taken them. After a while I found this led me to more senior positions and I came to believe I could make a difference by leading an institution in ways that were both challenging and rewarding.
There are always opportunities to take a lead in any role, whatever level you are working in, don’t wait for promotions or other incentives to get involved or take up challenges. All the opportunities you take add to your skillset, demonstrate your capabilities, build your confidence and make it evident to others that you are ready to progress.”
