Professor Susan Orr is an Emeritus Professor at De Montfort University. Prior to this she was DMU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Education and Equalities. She has held leadership roles at York St John University, Sheffield Hallam University and University of the Arts London. Susan is an Advance HE Principal Fellow and an HEA National Teaching Fellow. At De Montfort University Susan led the Learning for Life pillar of DMU's Empowering University Strategy and was the executive lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

Susan was a panel member in the Office for Students’ Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). In addition she led the Office for Students review of Blended Learning and has delivered a range of keynotes and inputs disseminating the report’s findings. Susan is a Professor of Creative Practice Pedagogy and her research centres on studio-based pedagogy in creative education. With Alison Shreeve she co-authored the book ‘Art and Design Pedagogy in Higher Education: knowledge, values and ambiguity’. She has been a trustee for the Yorkshire Museums Trust, and is a Visiting Professor at Bournemouth University in the Centre for Excellence in Media Practice.

Susan joins our Board of Governors from September 2025.