Uriah Rennie installed as university chancellor

The Premier League's first black referee, Uriah Rennie, has been installed as the new chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University.

The 65-year-old officiated more than 300 games between 1997 and 2008, including 175 Premier League matches.

Rennie, who last month revealed he was learning to walk again after a rare condition left him paralysed from the waist down, said he hoped to use his new role to show teenagers from all backgrounds that university was an option.

He said: "A lot of students from backgrounds like mine don't see university as an option, but if it is something they want to do we can enable that to happen. We should open up the opportunities to everyone so they can make the choice."

Born in Jamaica, Rennie moved to Sheffield as a child and grew up in the Wybourn area of the city.

He started refereeing in local football in 1979 before making history in 1997 when he oversaw the match between Derby County and Wimbledon.

He has been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and has campaigned on issues including improving equality and inclusion in sport, mental health and tackling deprivation.

He has a master's degree in business administration and law and, in November 2023, was awarded an honorary doctorate at Sheffield Hallam for his distinguished contributions to sport and his work with South Yorkshire communities.

Rennie said: "I want communities to have access to opportunities and resources so they can be heard and be seen and to realise their potential.

"University is not for everyone but people should have the opportunity."

He said he also wanted to "increase the profile of our great city and the wonderful contribution of our students".

"We have a lot to offer, there will be bumps in the road, but if I listen to students I am sure we will be able to deliver for them."

Asked if he would introduce a degree in football refereeing, he said: "Nothing is off the table.

"We need to be innovative and make sure we are responsive to what the current needs are out there.

"We have to look at all these subject areas as an industry and do what we can to support them.

"Sport is a passion of mine, but it's not the only passion. I also value academia, learning and teaching. If you provide a greater and more rounded package, you will attract more people to their specialist area."

As chancellor he will be the figurehead and ambassador for the university and appear at major public occasions such as degree ceremonies.

Prof Liz Mossop, vice-chancellor at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "Uri is a true Sheffield trailblazer who has broken down barriers and continues to campaign on important issues within our community. This makes him an ideal fit for Sheffield Hallam University and we are looking forward to working with him as our next Chancellor."

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