Professor Emma Hunt, New Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive, Falmouth University

Falmouth University is pleased to announce that Professor Emma Hunt has been appointed to the post of Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, following the announcement in March 2021 that Professor Anne Carlisle OBE would be stepping down. Professor Hunt will take up the post in January 2022. 

Chris Pomfret OBE, Chair of the Board of Governors said, “I and my Board colleagues are delighted that Emma is joining us at such an exciting time for the institution. Her wealth of experience in the creative HE sector means that she has complete affinity for Falmouth University’s culture and mission, and inherently understands the importance of creativity and the arts as a driver of innovation, social good and economic growth. 

“In her previous roles, Emma has shown fantastic leadership and we are convinced that her breadth of experience across learning and teaching, research and enterprise and external engagement will help us deliver Falmouth’s strategy for our students, staff, local community and the regional economy, as well as burnishing its reputation for creative excellence.” 

“As Chair of the Board, I would like to thank Professor Carlisle for her commitment to Falmouth over the last twelve years; her visionary approach and strategic drive have delivered exceptional growth and impact during her tenure.” 

Professor Hunt said: “I’m looking forward to building on the achievements of Professor Carlisle, and in particular to advance Falmouth’s reputation as a real pioneer in Creative Industries Education, Entrepreneurship and Innovation.  

“The University’s role in Cornwall and the region is hugely important, as is its place on the wider national and global stage. I’m excited to be working with the inspirational staff, students and stakeholders of the University, as we develop its future together.” 

Professor Hunt will join Falmouth from Arts University Bournemouth, where she has been Deputy Vice-Chancellor since 2013. 

Previously, she was Dean of Art, Design and Architecture at the University of Huddersfield for seven years (2006-2013). She has worked at the University of Derby as Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology and as Head of Department for Art and Design, Media and Humanities (2000 – 2006).  

She has worked at the Arts Institute Bournemouth, Chelsea School of Art and Winchester School of Art as a lecturer in Design History and Contextual Studies. Her early career included work as a Curator and Education Officer at The Royal Photographic Society. 

Emma holds a BA(Hons) in the History of Art and Design, an MA in Design History, an MBA and a DBA. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 

Throughout her career, she has developed research interests in Higher Education Design Practice, Design Policy and the Creative Economy, and has become increasingly involved in the linkages between design, innovation and entrepreneurship.