Vice-Chancellor announces retirement after 5 years of service at Falmouth University

Professor Emma Hunt, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, has announced her intention to retire in early 2027, following a 38-year career in creative higher education and a distinguished period of leadership at Falmouth University.

Since joining the University, Professor Hunt has led a period of significant progress and transformation. Under her leadership, Falmouth University is: 

• Securing long term sustainability, moving from deficit to surplus through strategic planning, increased retention and curriculum innovation. 
• Strengthening research excellence, achieving its largest ever uplift in research funding and advancing its application for Research Degree Awarding Powers. 
• Investing in modern facilities and digital innovation, including new a Design & Advanced Manufacturing studio, pre-production film facilities and enhanced student learning spaces. 
• Leading nationally on wellbeing and inclusion, as the first creative arts university to achieve University Mental Health Chartered status.  
• Deepening civic and economic leadership, through regional roles and initiatives such as the Cornwall Angel Network, enhancing enterprise, skills and local growth. 
• Expanding flexible learning, bringing online delivery fully in-house, launching short courses and securing approval to deliver Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) provision. 

These achievements, among many others, delivered during one the most challenging periods for UK higher education, reinforce Falmouth University’s position as a leading specialist creative institution with strong regional connection and growing national and international reach. They also reflect Professor Hunt’s clarity and commitment to creative education and the success of Falmouth’s mission, alongside the dedication of colleagues across the University.  

Helen Owers, Chair of the Board of Governors, said: 

“Professor Hunt has made, and continues to make, an outstanding contribution to Falmouth University. She leaves a legacy of stability, ambition, and purposeful leadership. Her career has shaped the creative higher education landscape, and her leadership at Falmouth has provided us with a strong foundation from which the institution will continue to flourish.” 

Professor Emma Hunt, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: 

“It is an enormous privilege to lead Falmouth University and to work with such dedicated colleagues, partners, and students. I am proud of what we have achieved together, and with the University in such a strong position, this feels like the right moment to plan for the next chapter, and to pass the baton on.  

“It is vitally important – for individuals, for society and for the future economy that creative education is championed. It has been a joy to do so at Falmouth University and I look forward to watching it continue to go from strength to strength, making an impact on the creative industries and beyond. However I haven’t gone just yet and there is more to do!” 

This planned transition allows for a considered process, as the Board of Governors begins the search for Falmouth University’s next Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive and to enable a thoughtful handover.