University appoints Pro-Chancellor for Health

Professor Patrick Vernon OBE national campaigner and first-generation descendant of the Windrush Generation appointed Pro-Chancellor for Health at the University of Wolverhampton 

Patrick Vernon OBE is a distinguished leader with over 30 years of experience in the voluntary and public sectors, who continues to make significant contributions to healthcare, equality, and cultural heritage. Professor Vernon brings a wealth of expertise and a deep connection to the Wolverhampton community to this important role. 

Born in Wolverhampton, Professor Vernon is a first-generation descendant of the Windrush Generation. His commitment to social justice has been recognised with an OBE in 2012 for his work tackling health inequalities and ethnic minority communities. In 2018, he received an honorary PhD from the University of Wolverhampton and in 2019, he received a lifetime achievement award for his campaigning and advocacy work from the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK). 

"I am deeply honoured to accept the role of Pro-Chancellor for Health at the University of Wolverhampton. This is a region close to my heart, and I am committed to leveraging my experience to support the University's mission in advancing health and community well-being" said Professor Vernon.         

“We are delighted to welcome Patrick to this important position” said Angela Spence, Chair of the Board of Governors at the University of Wolverhampton.  “His exceptional track record in addressing health inequalities as well as his very strong connections to the city of Wolverhampton make him an ideal Pro-Chancellor for Health. We look forward to working with Patrick and deriving the benefits he will bring to the University and the wider partnership”

Note: The role of a University Pro-Chancellor is to act as a “roving ambassador” for the University at external events on a local, national and global scale. Such individuals will be highly regarded in their field with a close link where possible to the University. Their expertise can be drawn upon by the Board of Governors when appropriate, and they can deputise for the Chancellor in his absence.