Veteran referee appointed university chancellor

Uriah Rennie took charge of more than 300 fixtures between 1997 and 2008

The Premier League's first black referee, Uriah Rennie, has been named as the new chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University.

Mr Rennie, who grew up in the Wybourn area of the city, officiated at more than 300 top-flight fixtures between 1997 and 2008.

He studied for an MBA at the university during his refereeing career and received an honorary doctorate last year for his work with sport and communities in South Yorkshire.

He said he hoped to use his role to help provide "all communities with the opportunity to transform their lives through education”.

Mr Rennie has campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, supporting mental health and tackling deprivation.

He has been a magistrate in the city since 1996.

Mr Rennie studied at the university and was awarded an honorary doctorate

"As a proud Sheffielder, I have seen first-hand the immense benefits that the university brings to communities across the region," he said.

“I’m looking forward to working with students, the wider university community and the vice chancellor to make a real difference, particularly on the issues that I’m passionate about, including providing all communities with the opportunity to transform their lives through education.”

He will take up his new role in early 2025 after current chancellor, Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, steps down.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Liz Mossop said: “Uri is a true Sheffield trailblazer who has broken down barriers and continues to campaign on important issues within our community."

She said he was "an ideal fit" for the university.

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