Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, is delighted to announce that Rachel Hewitt has been appointed Chief Executive and will take up the post in August 2021.

Currently Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Higher Education Policy Institute, Rachel has also held a number of roles at the Higher Education Statistics Agency, focused on policy and governance. Rachel also serves as an independent governor on the governing body of Leeds Beckett University.

Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, Chair of MillionPlus and Vice-Chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University, said:

“I am delighted that Rachel has been appointed as our next Chief Executive. Her energy, drive and commitment will be a huge asset to MillionPlus and she stood out in a strong field. She brings to the role a wealth of experience of the higher education policy landscape and I know she will articulate a brilliant vision and a strong voice for MillionPlus and modern universities.”

Rachel Hewitt said:

“I’m excited to be joining MillionPlus at such a crucial time, with the impacts of Covid-19 still weighing heavily and amid a vital conversation on how we can build back better and beyond by levelling up across the country. With deep roots in their communities and decades of experience pioneering cutting-edge skills and driving growth and innovation, modern universities must absolutely be at the heart of that conversation.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
4. Modern universities: facts and stats