Celebrating another top ten
The University of Wolverhampton has again been listed in the top ten universities for social mobility in England by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) in its Social Mobility Index, 2023.
Challenging the notion that only specific universities contribute to social mobility, the index measures “social distance travelled”, rather than solely graduate salaries. A more nuanced picture demonstrates how diverse institutions, from research giants to modern technical universities, make significant contributions. Impressively, the university has now been listed in the top ten for three years running: 2021, 2022 and 2023.
University gains No. 1 ranking
The University of Wolverhampton has been ranked number 1 in the UK for teaching first generation students – those who are the first in their family to go to university.
The Daily Mail University Rankings and League Table 2024 aims to help students and parents find the right university. Out of 130 universities across the UK, the University of Wolverhampton was ranked 69th – above other local universities – ranking 26th for teaching excellence and 39th for student support.
Researcher named one of 75 inspirational women
An award-winning University of Wolverhampton research academic has been named as one of 75 inspirational women by the British Deputy High Commission in India.
Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, MBE, Associate Professor of Sikh Studies, Director of the Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies at the University of Wolverhampton and President of Theology and Religious Studies UK, was included for her contribution to raising the profile of Sikh women across the UK and internationally through her research and knowledge exchange activities.
The British Deputy High Commission in Chandigarh has commemorated the 75th year of Indian independence by launching the book titled: 75 years, 75 women, 75 words. The book highlights the exceptional contribution of women towards strengthening the “living bridge” between India and the UK.
Eurovision ties
Have you ever played the game Six Degrees of Separation? Well, aside from sharing their studies at the University of Wolverhampton, three of our alumni in this edition are unexpectedly linked by 2023’s Eurovision Song Contest!
The event was hosted by the UK on behalf of 2022’s winners, Ukraine, which is where Yuriy Sak, advisor to the Minister of Strategic Industries of Ukraine, lives and works. Meanwhile on the star-studded night itself Dr Denise Maxwell was working as an official photographer, while miles away in Manchester, Theo Johnson was part of the secret jury that made 50% of the UK’s final vote on the night!
Cooking for the stars
Alumnus Tolu “Eros” Erogbogbo, originally from Nigeria, is making waves with the success of his global career as a chef and entrepreneur.
Chef Tolu, who studied international business management at the Business School, launched a small business selling the flavours of home during his studies in Telford. Since then, he’s opened restaurants in Nigeria and America, expanding his ventures to host and entertain with an emphasis on community and showcasing West African food.
Now the owner of Cookie Jar bakery, Eros & Gourmet catering, and ILÉ Eros in Lagos, Tolu serves authentic Nigerian cuisine with a contemporary twist. His notable clientele includes President Emmanuel Macron of France and Nobel Prize-winning author Wole Soyinka, earning him the nickname ‘Billionaire Chef.’
His catering company has catered for prestigious clients including Coachella Valley Music Festival, earning him mentions on CNN and Forbes. He recently served at a private function that included actor and producer Michael B Jordan, who posted on Instagram:
“I had the pleasure of sitting down for an unforgettable meal by Nigerian chef Tolu Eros @thebillionairechef. At the table we got into the meaningful connections West African people have with Jollof rice. I loved hearing about the different ways to make Jollof and the family memories attached to it. I’m just here to enjoy the unity!”
Take a look at chef Tolu’s theatrical food including some incredible Jollof rice, with Chase Sapphire’s A Taste of West Africa campaign.
Congratulations to Shani Dhanda!
Alumna Dr Shani Dhanda, who received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2023 for her tireless work in cultivating inclusivity and accessibility, has been named the most influential person in the Disability Power 100 list for 2023, which recognises and celebrates people across the disabled community. Shani, who studied at our Business School, said:
“It’s not often we as a community get recognition. When you’re in the thick of removing barriers and fighting injustices, how often do we stop to think and look at the progress that we’ve made?
“It hasn’t quite sunk in. I really wasn’t expecting it, but it means the world to be recognised by your own community.”
Return of SU bar to City Campus
Luna Lounge, designed by students, opened for Welcome Week in October 2023, featuring live music, a deli and juice bar named Deli Moon, and a social space called The Den. The project created about 25 student jobs and partnered with two Wolverhampton businesses: Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, which refitted the cellar, and Sassy Coffee, which supplies hot drinks. The bar, with a 200-person capacity, offers a variety of drinks, a stage for music and karaoke, and pool and foosball tables.
Students’ Union president, Bisola Olatunji, says: “Covid diminished our sense of community. This project will help students make new friends, create memorable experiences, and feel part of a community, improving the overall student experience.”
UN dignitary leads 50-year celebration
A public event led by a special United Nations guest speaker celebrated the 50th anniversary of the University of Wolverhampton’s Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) in July.
Nikhil Seth, United Nations assistant secretary-general and executive director of UNITAR, (United Nations Institute for Training and Research) provided the keynote address. Nikhil was the ideal choice to speak at an event dedicated to a resource that provides capacity-strengthening services for international development agencies and other diverse stakeholders.
Professor Prashant Pillai, pro vice-chancellor for research and knowledge exchange at the university, said: “The fact that we have such a high-profile guest speaker visiting us from the United Nations shows the impact that our research has.”
Goldie seal of approval for local mural
Goldie - Clifford Joseph Price MBE - made a whistlestop visit to unveil a mural of himself which was made in just a week by Stafford-based artist and illustration graduate, Eve Whitfield.
Superstar drum and bass producer, actor, artist and DJ Goldie is the subject of one of eight artworks commissioned by Wolverhampton Business Improvement District team, as part of the Street Stories project to make city centres thriving, exciting places to visit.
Walsall-born Goldie made his name as a graffiti artist and his work is re-created within Eve’s mural in Queen Square, opposite The Parisian bar. Goldie, who is a doctor of design at the University of Wolverhampton said: “It’s a nice homage to the history of Wolverhampton.”
University of Wolverhampton at The Halls
The University of Wolverhampton is the new naming rights holder for The Halls (formerly the Wolverhampton Civic and Wulfrun halls), which re-opened last year after lengthy refurbishment.
The partnership with the venue will provide development and training opportunities for university students. Every student will also have the chance to stand on the hallowed stage, with graduations moving to the venue.
The much-loved West Midlands venue, which will now be known as University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, has hosted world-class artists like Blur, McFly, Robert Plant and Mika since re-opening, and has a packed calendar of artists wanting to return to its iconic stages.
University launches Strategy 2035
The University of Wolverhampton has launched a new strategy to take it through to 2035.
Our new Strategy 2035 builds on almost 200 years of heritage, reaffirming our identity as a civic institution powered by our sense of place and connections to our local and global communities and commits us to playing a leading role in delivering a more inclusive, productive and sustainable society.
The strategy’s mission makes a commitment to transform lives by creating opportunity, developing people, and shaping the future, whilst being inclusive, ambitious, accountable and resilient.
Find out more
