Professor Sterling is set to take up his new position on 1 February 2027. In his role, he will support the Vice-Chancellor in driving institutional priorities and facilitating necessary changes to achieve the university's ambitions.
Currently, Professor Sterling serves as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Science and Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University, a position he has held since February 2024. During his tenure, he has overseen significant growth and development within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.
His career also includes over 20 years at the University of Birmingham, where he progressed from PhD student to Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Interim Head of College for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
A Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Professor Sterling possesses over 25 years of teaching experience across various engineering disciplines at foundation to MSc level. At Manchester Met, he was instrumental in developing a pioneering healthcare education facility that incorporated AI-enabled virtual and mixed reality learning, an immersive theatre, and one of the UK's largest Anatomage suites.
Beyond his academic roles, Professor Sterling is a Governor and Chair of the Personnel Committee at Halesowen College and serves as an Adjunct Research Professor at the University of Western Ontario.
