University Doctoral School Hosts University Chancellor Sandie Okoro for 125th Anniversary Scholars' Round Table
On the 30th of March the University Doctoral School (UDS) had the pleasure of hosting the University’s Chancellor Sandie Okoro to meet our 125th Anniversary Scholars – a group of Black British doctoral researchers funded by the University to undertake transformative and innovative research. Sandie joined the Scholars to share her experience and insight, speaking with openness about both the challenges she has faced and the successes she has achieved throughout her career and personal life.
Sandie’s story connected strongly with those in the room. Sandie shared her experience of often being the first Black person to step into senior roles within traditionally white-dominated spaces. Sandie spoke honestly about balancing high expectations with the pressures of representation, while staying true to personal values, goals and purpose. Her words resonated deeply, reflecting the experience of many of the Scholars in attendance. Q&A and discussion followed, with Scholars asking for advice on maintaining authenticity in challenging environments and staying confident in the face of barriers. Questions also focused on the role institutions can play in creating more inclusive and welcoming spaces, particularly for people from underrepresented and underprivileged backgrounds. Sandie responded with transparency and care, drawing on real-life examples and offering clear and considered advice.
The visit highlighted the importance of voices like Sandie’s. Her willingness to speak openly about her journey helped to normalise difficult conversations while also celebrating success, ambition, and growth. Her reflections demonstrated that leadership is shaped not by perfection, but by confidence, self-awareness and the willingness to lead with integrity.
Sandie’s visit to the University Doctoral School forms part of a wider programme delivered by the UDS to support the Scholars in understanding pathways to senior roles within academia and beyond. The programme acknowledges that, while Scholars may encounter challenges throughout their journey, these experiences can also become sources of strength, insight, and motivation.
Through visits like this, the UDS hopes that Scholars and other doctoral researchers can see themselves reflected in the experience and journey of leaders such as Sandie and follow in their footsteps as leaders of the future.
Reflection from 125th Anniversary Scholar, Christine Makuve:
“Hearing our University’s Chancellor Sandie Okoro speak at the 125 Scholars' Round Table in March was profoundly affirming for me as a first‑generation immigrant black African woman. Meeting her felt like encountering a living, breathing reminder of what is possible as an efficacious, intelligent black woman in the UK. Her call “not to shrink to limiting beliefs and attitudes, but to take up space and fill the room” stayed with me long after the event. I felt seen, energised, and challenged in the best way. In direct response to her words, I carried that boldness into the 25th Anniversary Africa Conference at the University of Texas at Austin, 1st-5th April 2026, which I attended in person. Although I was originally only scheduled to present two papers as a panel participant, I ended up being invited to chair a panel that included seasoned academics and was also added to the programme to deliver the Keynote Speaker presentation speech. This unbelievable elevation happened because I chose to take up space—fully, unapologetically—and in doing so, I caught the attention of the Conference Conveners. I have even been invited to be a presenter and panel Chair at next year's Conference. Sandie’s message has truly reshaped how I move in the world.”
