Former Premier League Referee Uriah Rennie Appointed Sheffield Hallam University Chancellor

Uriah Rennie, recognized as the Premier League’s inaugural black referee, has been appointed as the new chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University. Mr. Rennie, a native of the city’s Wybourn area, served as an official for more than 300 top-tier matches from 1997 to 2008. He pursued an MBA at the university while active in his refereeing career and was awarded an honorary doctorate last year in recognition of his contributions to sport and communities within South Yorkshire. He expressed his aspiration to leverage his position to assist in providing “all communities with the opportunity to transform their lives through education”. Mr. Rennie has advocated for various causes, including enhancing equality and inclusion in sports, promoting mental health support, and addressing deprivation. Since 1996, he has served as a magistrate in the city. He stated, “As a proud Sheffielder, I have seen first-hand the immense benefits that the university brings to communities across the region.” He added, “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.” His new position will commence in early 2025, following the departure of the current chancellor, Baroness Helena Kennedy KC. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Liz Mossop commented, “Uri is a true Sheffield trailblazer who has broken down barriers and continues to campaign on important issues within our community.” She further described him as “an ideal fit” for the institution.