In memory of Vicky Harris

3rd Apr 2022

It is with great sadness that we have to report the passing of one of our CHME family.

Vicky Harris passed away last Thursday 31st March after a short illness. Vicky was well known to CHME members through a variety of activities. She was Head of Department and then Head of School at Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University) from the 1980s through to 2006 when she took early retirement from her long and distinguished academic career.

Vicky was involved with CHME almost from the beginning and served on the executive before being elected as chair and then awarded a fellowship in 2005.

She was a highly respected academic with the highest of standards, chairing the original benchmark statements for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism (2000). She was a QAA Subject assessor and worked with the Institute of Hospitality as a Professional Review Panel member as well as taking on other roles nationally and internationally. She, with her colleague Rai Shacklock, were instrumental in developing and validating the first events management course in higher education in the UK, a testament to her creativity and forward thinking.

Colleagues remember Vicky for her straightforward, no nonsense and common-sense approach to business together with a fun-loving hospitable friend.

On a personal level, Vicky introduced me to CHME through the Industrial Tutor’s Group (ITG) and we spent many happy hours travelling to CHME meetings, conferences and other events. I, together with many Leeds colleagues, owe her a debt of gratitude for her support and encouragement in our careers.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew her and we send our condolences to her family and friends. Isabell Hodgson Past Chair ITG and CHME