'Celebrating local pride both home and abroad'

WHEN I first arrived at Keele University as the new vice-chancellor in September, like anyone starting a new job, I was looking forward to all of the new experiences awaiting me.

- Kevin Shakesheff - Keele University vice-chancellor

Not just the new people I was getting ready to meet but crucially getting to know Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire - and learning more about our university's place in the region.

Now, two months into my role, I'm delighted to say that the move has been everything I'd hoped for and more.

Even in that short time there has already been so much to celebrate, and I am filled with optimism by everything I've seen and the people I've met, and determination to build on the great work already being done by our university and partners across the area.

I've joined Keele at a crucial time for the higher education sector.

Students have more choice than ever before, and with the rise in tuition fees which was announced by the Government last week, universities including ours have to work even harder to showcase the benefits not only for students who choose to go to university, but also the public good that universities do in their local areas and beyond.