University’s head of Education and Social Work to step down

The University of Sussex have announced Professor Brian Hudson will step down from his post as the Head of the School of Education and Social Work at the end of July 2016.

Professor Hudson, who has been Head of School since 2012, will continue to work in a part-time capacity and will be focusing initially on his research, writing, doctoral supervision and grant applications.

He will also be contributing to the development of a number of international research collaborations, including Sussex’s academic partnership with the University of Ghana.

Under Professor Hudson’s leadership, the School has grown recently and achieved a number of milestones.

Student numbers in Initial Teacher Education have almost doubled and new undergraduate and postgraduate courses have been established alongside the successful development of the cross-School Centre for Research and Innovation in Childhood and Youth.

In particular, the BA in Childhood and Youth is now a well-established course in the Department of Education, alongside the MA in Childhood and Youth Studies in the Department of Social Work and Social Care. 

Professor Hudson said: “The past four years has been a period of significant achievement for the School. Student numbers have grown and I’m very proud of the high level of research quality that we have achieved. In the current year, we anticipate we will exceed targets in this area.  

“Looking ahead, the School has ambitious plans for further growth in undergraduate courses in both Primary & Early Years Education and Wellbeing & Social Care from 2017-18.

“I would like to thank all of the staff and students of the School for helping to make it such a thriving and special environment. Although I will be changing my role, I look forward to continuing to contribute to an agenda of excellence in all aspects of teaching, learning and research in the School.”

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Farthing, said: “On behalf of the University, I want to thank Brian for his leadership of the school and personally, for his companionship as a colleague. 

“Although he will be stepping down as Head of School, I am delighted that he will continue in some capacity, particularly to undertake the valuable work he is doing with the University of Ghana.”