Professor Mennell is a Physics and Mathematics graduate of the University of Leeds. Prior to becoming Vice Chancellor at the University of Cumbria, Julie held the positions of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development) and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) for the University of Sunderland, leading on portfolio and partnership development, academic and research provision, student experience and outcomes.
Julie’s focus since becoming Vice Chancellor in 2016 has been in firmly establishing the role and impact of the University in, for and beyond Cumbria, with a particular emphasis on fulfilling the ‘why’ of the University’s formation. In doing so, she places a significant emphasis on partnership working to deliver against Cumbria’s current and long term place, employer, labour and skills needs, working strategically with entities such as Cumbria’s Economic Growth Board, Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, Local Authorities, education partners, employers and sector representative bodies. Julie has led initiatives, working with and through colleagues to purposefully grow the University, delivering higher skills into and from the workforce, tackling education and health inequalities and supporting place regeneration and transformation. With current developing areas of activity spanning supply chain & logistics, advanced manufacturing, medicine, degree apprenticeships, Carlisle and Barrow.
Externally, Julie is a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria and is involved in a range of regional and sector groups with a particular focus on people and place. These include: Sponsor of Barrow Education, Employment and Skills group, Barrow Delivery Board; Vice Chair of Cumbria Economic Growth Board; Chair of the Carlisle Youth Zone; Patron of Brathay Trust; member representative for the Energy Coast University Technical College; and a member of the Brilliant Barrow Board. Nationally she is a member of Universities UK and the MillionPlus university group.
