Trailblazing Premier League referee named university chancellor

Sheffield Hallam University has announced that former Premier League referee and community advocate Uriah Rennie will be appointed as its chancellor in 2025.

A proud Sheffield native who grew up “on the Wybourn”, a working-class neighbourhood in the east end of the city, Uriah, best known as Uri, became the first black referee to officiate in the Premier League, overseeing more than 300 games and achieving international recognition.

Known for his work to promote equality, inclusion and mental health awareness, Uri has longstanding ties to Sheffield Hallam, where he earned an MBA and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in 2023 for his contributions to sport and his community work.

He said: “I’m delighted and 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.”

In addition to his new role, Uri actively supports several Sheffield charities as an ambassador of The Children’s Hospital Charity, a Trustee of Voluntary Action Sheffield, and patron of both Weston Park Hospital Cancer Charity and St Luke's Hospice. He is also president of Sheffield Federation for Schools Sports, president of Hallam FC, and the past chair of Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, as well as being a magistrate in the city since 1996.

He will succeed Baroness Helena Kennedy LT KC, who is stepping down after six years. Baroness Kennedy is patron of Sheffield Hallam’s world-leading Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice and she will continue to work closely with colleagues in the centre to champion the work of staff and students. 

Professor Liz Mossop, vice-chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University, added: “Uri is a true Sheffield trailblazer who has broken down barriers and continues to campaign on important issues within our community.

“This makes him an ideal fit for Sheffield Hallam University and we are looking forward to working with him as our next chancellor.   

“I’d like to thank Baroness Kennedy for all she’s done during her six years as chancellor.

“She is a pioneer in her field, and we are delighted that she will continue to be involved with the university through the world-leading Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice.”

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