Uriah Rennie, the first black referee to oversee Premier League football games, is set to be installed as Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University next year.
Uriah, best known as Uri, grew up “on the Wybourn”, a working-class neighbourhood in the east end of Sheffield. He became an international FIFA and FA football referee and officiated more than 300 games during his career.
He already has strong connections to Sheffield Hallam. During his refereeing career Uri successfully studied for an MBA at the University. Last year, the University awarded him with an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with resilient communities across South Yorkshire
He will be installed as Chancellor early next year. He said: “I’m excited to be rejoining Sheffield Hallam University to become the next Chancellor. As a proud Sheffielder, I have seen first-hand the immense benefits that the University brings to communities across the region.
“I want to pay tribute to those who have gone before me in this role, who have enabled the University to become such an integral part of the local, national and international educational community.
“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.”
