Professor Rachel Mills, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences (FELS), will be leaving the University at the end of July 2021 after 28 years here at Southampton. She will be taking up the role of Provost at the University of Sussex.
Professor Mills said: “I am excited to start this new role in Sussex, but at the same time am sad to be moving on. Southampton is my home, it is where I brought up my family, studied as an undergraduate and built my career. In particular, I am proud of how the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences has developed and thrived and how the whole University has got behind the Sustainability Strategy. Thank you all for your superb contributions and support which put Southampton in a great place for the future. I hope that the many friendships and close connections that have developed over the years will continue from along the coast, please do keep in touch.”
Professor Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor, added: “Rachel has made a really significant contribution to the University over many years, as a leading researcher and educator, a team leader, a Dean and University champion for areas of strategic importance such as sustainability. I am very sorry to see Rachel leave us, but at the same time I’m delighted that she is taking the next step in her career and I wish her the very best.
“Rachel will continue to work with us until the 31 July. We will shortly be starting a recruitment process for a successor as Dean, open to all suitable candidates internally and externally, to further grow and develop the faculty’s unique strengths and further its reputation for high quality teaching and research that makes a real difference.”
