Professor Julie Mennell DL, PhD

Biography

Professor Mennell is a Physics and Mathematics graduate of the University of Leeds. Prior to becoming Vice Chancellor at the University of Cumbria, Professor Mennell held the positions of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development) and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) for the University of Sunderland, leading on portfolio and partnership development, academic and research provision, student experience and outcomes. Professor Mennell’s academic field of interest is in forensic and crime scene science, involving contributions to forensic science strategy, education and workforce development in the UK and overseas, including her serving on the Home Office Forensic Science Advisory Council and the Skills for Justice Forensic Science Occupational Skills Committee. She was also co-convenor of the Higher Education Academy’s DVC network and has held senior positions at Northumbria and Teesside Universities.

Externally Professor Mennell is a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria and is involved in a range of regional and sector groups with a particular focus in people and place. These include:  director of the Cumbria LEP Board and co-chair of its People, Employment and Skills Strategy Group; Chair of the Carlisle Youth Zone; member representative for the Energy Coast University Technical College; member of the Barrow and Carlisle Town Deal Boards; member of the Westmorland and Furness, and Cumberland, Local Partnership groups; Carlisle College board member; and Sedbergh School governor.  Nationally she is a member of the Cathedrals’ Group of Universities and the MillionPlus university group.