Mark celebrates 30 years at Teesside

Today is a real day to remember for Mark White – it marks 30 years of his association with the University of Teesside; from student to Students’ Union President and now Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office.

On 27 September 1976 an 18 year old Mark White arrived from his home town of Stoke-on-Trent to study the Bachelor of Science in Sociology degree at the then Teesside Polytechnic. And a 30 year relationship began.

Taking year out from his studies to act as the President of the Teesside Students' Union, Mark graduated in 1981 and embarked on a second one-year term as Union President. In 1982, he began work as Registrar’s Assistant.

Throughout his career, Mark has held a variety roles including Departmental Administrator, Courses Officer, Assistant Registrar and Head of Performance. He is now Head of the Vice-Chancellor’s Office where his role involves supporting and assisting the Vice Chancellor.

Mark, 48, lives in Billingham with his partner Lynn, also a University of Teesside staff member. He said: “When I first came to Teesside Polytechnic in 1976 we had two or three buildings and around 1,700 students. Now we’ve grown into a major university with over 21,000 students and a transformed campus. But a university is more than its buildings and this is especially true of us.

“I found an institution that was making positive changes to the lives of individuals and communities and I just didn’t want to leave. I’m here for the long haul and if they’ll have me, I’ll be here for another 30 years.

“I’m immensely proud of the trust which two consecutive Vice-Chancellors have placed in me and I’m also very proud of the Students’ Union which has such a very close and effective working relationship with the University. They don’t just organise parties and sporting events for students – the Teesside Students’ Union is an integral part of the University and have played a huge role in our growth.”

---