Vice-Chancellor wins Change Maker of the Year Award

The awards, which returned following a successful inaugural ceremony at Chester Racecourse in 2025, recognise the region’s most influential organisations and leaders. Organised by Downtown in Business, they bring together the very best of Cheshire and North Wales’s business community to celebrate excellence, innovation and impact.

Professor Simmons received the prestigious Change Maker of the Year award, a category recognising individuals who have made a significant positive difference within their organisation and beyond.

Since becoming Vice-Chancellor in 2020, Professor Simmons has led the implementation of the University’s ambitious Citizen Student Strategy. This initiative aims to transform lives and help regenerate local and regional economies, ensuring that the University’s teaching, research and knowledge exchange produce outstanding outcomes for students and external partners alike.

Under her leadership, University of Chester graduates are making meaningful contributions across the public, private and community sectors, while the institution continues to strengthen its role as a key partner to regional organisations.

Beyond the University, Professor Simmons has played a prominent role on the national stage. She is the founding Chair of TASO (Transforming Access and Student Outcomes), a charity working with more than 100 universities to improve opportunities and success rates for students from all backgrounds. She also maintains a strong commitment to environmental sustainability as Chair of the Mersey Forest Steering Group, which brings together nine local authorities to create greener, nature-rich environments across a 3,000 km² area from Southport to Crewe.

The awards ceremony took place at Chester Racecourse on Friday, June 5, bringing together leading businesses, entrepreneurs and civic figures for a day of celebration and recognition.

This year’s charity partner was Nugent, a Liverpool City Region-based organisation providing personalised support services for individuals and families from birth through to end-of-life care.

Professor Simmons said: “I am truly honoured to receive this award. It reflects the collective efforts of our staff, students and partners, whose passion for making a difference drives everything we do at the University of Chester. Together, we are committed to creating real impact for our communities and region.”

Downtown in Business Group Chair and CEO, Frank McKenna, said: "The University of Chester is one of the region's most important institutions, and Eunice has provided exceptional leadership during a period of significant change and opportunity. She understands the crucial role that universities play in supporting business, developing skills and driving economic growth. This award recognises not only her achievements at the University, but also her wider contribution to the Cheshire and North Wales business community. A very worthy winner."

Caption: From left to right: Cheshire & North Wales Business Awards 2026 presenter Lucy Meacock, award winner Professor Eunice Simmons, and award sponsor Carl Critchlow of Chester BID.

Photo credit: Simon Rooney Photography.