Solent University in Southampton has appointed Professor Sarah Jones and Professor Cathy Barnes as Pro Vice-Chancellors.

Starting her role on June 10, Prof Jones, a distinguished leader in education transformation, will serve as Pro Vice-Chancellor of Education.

Her career includes strategic leadership roles in numerous institutions and advising the UK Government on Immersive Technologies.

Professor Cathy Barnes joins the university on July 1 as Pro Vice-Chancellor Research, Academic Strategy and Planning.

Prof Barnes, a proud shipyard apprentice turned academic, holds a breadth of experience from Commercial Director at the University of Salford to Research Director at Leeds Beckett University.

Originally trained as a Mechanical Engineer, Prof Barnes later diversified into Business and has subsequently published extensive research on design, manufacturing, and sensory design.

A celebrated figure in academia, she has secured financial backing from various bodies, including InnovateUK, EPSRC, and the EU.

As part of her new role, she will leverage her extensive network of corporate partnerships built through years of research.

She will also contribute to policy decisions as an advisor to Universities UK on Innovation and Growth.

Prof Jones said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Solent as PVC Education. As a triple Gold TEF institution, it is clear that there is exceptional teaching and learning and I look forward to getting to see this in action and working with teams to develop it further."

Professor Barnes said: "I am delighted and honoured to be appointed to this role at such an exciting time for the University.

"I am looking forward to meeting colleagues and working together to achieve success locally, nationally, and internationally."

Solent University’s Vice- Chancellor, Professor James Knowles, said: "We look forward to welcoming Prof Jones and Prof Barnes to Solent this summer.

"Their wealth of knowledge and experience will not only ensure that we continue to offer an excellent teaching and learning experience, that was recently recognised with a triple TEF gold award by the Office for Students, but also help drive our 2035 Strategy as a work-ready, world-ready, and future-ready organisation."