After years of exceptional service, Clive Elliott, Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Board of Governors, and Christine Donnelly, Vice-Chair, have each announced their retirement from the Board.
Clive and Christine have both made outstanding contributions to the University, and we would like to express sincere gratitude for their dedication, expertise and long-standing commitment to Edge Hill.
Ahead of Clive’s departure, we are pleased to confirm that current Board member Mark Wilkinson will assume the role of Chair of the Board. Mark brings extensive experience and valuable insight to the position, and we look forward to working closely with him as he steps into this important leadership role.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Young said:
“On behalf of the University, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Clive and Christine for their outstanding service, wise counsel and unwavering support for Edge Hill over many years.
“Their leadership has helped to steer the institution through a period of significant change and has left a legacy of values-driven governance.
“I am delighted that Mark will now take up the role of Chair, and I look forward to working closely with him and the Board as we build on this foundation to deliver our new University Strategy.”
Clive joined the Board as an Independent Governor in 2017 and has served as Chair since November 2022. A strong advocate for the transformative power of higher education, he has championed its role in helping students thrive in an evolving employment landscape.
In addition to chairing the Board, Clive has led Edge Hill’s subsidiary companies, chaired the Governance and Nominations Committee and served on the Remuneration Committee. His leadership, strategic insight and unwavering support for the Edge Hill community have left a lasting legacy.
On his retirement, Clive said:
“I have been proud and honoured to have been Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the Board of such an outstanding university, and thank all colleagues for their commitment and support.
“Edge Hill is now entering the next phase of its progressive development based on a new exciting strategy, and I have no doubt that it will continue to go from strength to strength under Professor Young’s leadership.
“I congratulate Mark Wilkinson on his appointment as my successor; I leave the University’s governance in safe hands.”
Christine joined the Board in 2016 as an Independent Governor and became Vice-Chair in November 2024.
She has played a pivotal role across a wide range of Edge Hill committees, including Audit & Risk, Governance and Nominations, and Remuneration.
Her professional expertise, combined with her commitment to lifelong learning and widening educational access, has significantly enriched the University’s strategic work for nearly a decade.
Mark, who will start the role as Chair of the Board of Governors on Tuesday 20 January 2026, has extensive experience in the NHS, recently retiring from his role as Cheshire East Place Director for NHS Cheshire and Merseyside.
In this role, Mark was responsible for planning, performance and service integration across health and care, as well as a £700m budget serving the population of Cheshire East. In addition to his strategic experience gained through the NHS, Mark also has significant exposure to corporate governance roles and currently serves as Group Board Director for Bolton at Home Limited, a provider of social and affordable housing.
On his appointment, Mark said:
“In my two years serving as an Independent Governor, I have seen at first-hand how Edge Hill is transformational for the students, staff and communities it supports.
“I am grateful for the confidence placed in me by my fellow Board members as I take on the role of Chair. It is a privilege to continue serving the University in this capacity and I look forward to working with the Board, Executive and wider community to uphold our values, advance our strategy and ensure the University remains well placed for the future.”
Please join us in thanking Clive and Christine for their outstanding contributions, and in welcoming Mark to his new role. Mark will share a further update with colleagues in the New Year.
November 28, 2025