Deputy Vice-Chancellor Steve Igoe retires after an incredible 28 years in service
Retirement
April 23, 2024
This week marks the end of an era for Steve Igoe who retires from his role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor after 28 years at Edge Hill shaping the growth and development of the University.
As he bids a fond farewell to the Edge Hill community, we reflect on an inspiring leader who leaves a lasting legacy both within the University, and across the Higher Education sector.
Steve first joined the institution in 1996 and has been instrumental in numerous initiatives that have shaped Edge Hill’s growth and success. Under Steve’s leadership, the University has seen a marked transformation, including more than £350m invested in our award-winning state-of-the-art facilities over the last 10 years, most recently a £17.4m Life Sciences facility which is due to open later this year.
He said:
“There’s lots of stories about how we got here and challenges along the way, but I think we’ve created in infrastructure terms, one of the best university campuses in the country.”
Sharing his memories, Steve said:
“It is very difficult to feel older when you are surrounded by so much optimism from students about to take a step forward in life, it’s a great place to be. For me and for Edge Hill, it is all about the student experience. It’s about ensuring students have a great time here and strong employability outcomes.
“Which is what brings me to my favourite memory, sitting in graduation at the front watching all these faces come down, happy and looking forward to the future, that’s the thing that will stick with me after I leave.”
When asked about what he will miss the most, his answer was irrefutably the people and colleagues he has been privileged to work alongside over the years:
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work with some very talented people, who share the same values, passion, and determination to help students succeed. In everything we do, we are always able to see how our actions contributed to a strong and positive student experience.
“All that’s left for me to say to all of you is thank you. For all the support you’ve given me, for all the support you’ve given the University, this truly is a unique and special place and that is down to the people, so thank you.”
In a closing speech at his retirement celebration, Steve paid a moving tribute to his loving wife and family:
“My biggest thank you goes to my family, I couldn’t have done what I have done without the support and love of my wife, my sons and daughter in law, so if there’s any thanks it’s to them because none of this would have happened without the support they gave me.”
Vice-Chancellor Dr John Cater, thanked Steve for his outstanding service to the University and reiterated that his leadership would leave a considerable legacy.
Reflecting on the journey they have shared together, he said:
“I remember that cold January morning 28 years ago when Steve, a young, chartered accountant then, joined us. We knew there was a mountain to climb, and Steve has scaled those heights. An institution that had fewer than four thousand students and limited investment became the Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year – a campus transformed. Not everything can be attributed to a single individual, but Steve Igoe leaves a legacy to be immensely proud of. He will be much missed.”
