Professor Sue Rigby to leave Bath Spa University for Edinburgh Napier role

Professor Sue Rigby announced she was stepping down in a university Youtube video.

Professor Sue Rigby has announced she will step down as Vice Chancellor of Bath Spa University at the end of this year and assume the role of Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Edinburgh Napier University starting 1 January 2025. 

Professor Georgina Andrews, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, will serve as Interim Vice-Chancellor beginning 31 December 2024.

Professor Rigby joined Bath Spa University in January 2018. During her tenure, the university has increased student numbers, doubled its turnover, and achieved financial sustainability through diversified income streams. 

Significant achievements include opening the Locksbrook campus in 2019, launching Bath Spa University London, and establishing the National Centre for Fashion and Sustainability. The university also received the Social Enterprise Gold Mark and became an Adobe Creative campus.

Navigating the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Professor Rigby took steps to ensure the university's future sustainability. 

Reflecting on her departure, she stated, “I am so sorry to be leaving Bath Spa after the last seven years, but it is the right time for me to go, and the right destination for me to move on to, where I can take on a major new challenge, walk to work and see more of my family.”

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Georgina Andrews, who will step in as Interim Vice-Chancellor, has been instrumental in the university’s recent successes. 

Professor Rigby expressed confidence in her team, saying, “The University has a first-rate senior team, who will guide it after I leave, led by Professor Georgina Andrews, who is highly capable and has been the agent of our success for several years already.”

Jonathan Glasspool, Chair of the BSU Board of Governors, acknowledged Professor Rigby’s leadership: 

“Her creativity, hard work and determination have been critical in both launching key new initiatives and supporting staff and students through periods of significant change. 

“Sue’s work has culminated in leading a strategic review of our size, shape and ambition for the future, captured in our Strategy 2030.”

In addition to her role at Bath Spa, Professor Rigby has held several external positions, including Chair of Student Minds and Board Member for the QAA and AHRC. She also leads on culture for the West of England Combined Authority and chairs two significant arts venues in Bristol and on the Isle of Mull.

A recruitment process will soon begin to find the next Vice-Chancellor for Bath Spa University. In the meantime, the Board of Governors has appointed Professor Georgina Andrews as Interim Vice-Chancellor starting on 31 December 2024 until 31 July 2025.