University welcomes new Provost

The University of Suffolk is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Rachel Allen to the newly created role of Provost, with responsibility for the institution’s educational and academic activities.

Professor Allen joins the University from City St George’s, University of London, where she held a number of leadership roles including Interim Executive Dean and Director of the Institute of Medical, Biomedical and Allied Health Education. 

In addition, Professor Allen is a member of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Research Strategy Committee and an Associate Director and Capacity Building Lead for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) South London Applied Research Collaboration. 

Working with the Vice-Chancellor and the wider Executive team at the University of Suffolk, Professor Allen will bring her wealth of experience to support the growth of the university with a particular focus on academic standards. With the University already embracing innovative approaches to learning methodologies, Professor Allen’s role will be to continue to drive standards and enhance the student academic experience.   

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Allen said: "I am thrilled to join the University of Suffolk at such a dynamic time in its growth and evolution. As a young and agile institution, it offers exciting opportunities to implement innovative approaches to learning and teaching, attracting students from across the UK and around the world while continuing to deliver exceptional student experiences.” 

Professor Allen will be joining the University of Suffolk at an exciting point in its development with the 10-year anniversary in 2026 and the introduction of new, innovative courses such as Dental Hygiene and Therapy and Esports. 

University of Suffolk Vice-Chancellor Professor Jenny Higham said: “I am delighted that someone with Rachel’s proven ability is coming to join the University of Suffolk.  Her excellent academic background and senior managerial experience are the perfect fit for our new Provost role.  Rachel will join the senior management team and collaboratively drive the next phase of university development.”  

Over the last year, the University of Suffolk has celebrated a number of successes including ranking in the top 60 in the UK in the 2025 Complete University Guide, climbing by 68 places in the last three years and enjoying strong student satisfaction results in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS), scoring well above the England average in all nine assessment areas. 

In addition, the University performed well at the 2024 WhatUni Student Choice Awards; ranking first in the East of England for facilities and scooping the ‘Career Coaching and Work Placements’ award.