01/09/2026
In Memoriam: Professor Rosemary Deem, OBE
A Tribute to an Inspiring Scholar, Leader, and Cherished PhD Supervisor (by Ming Cheng)
2026 Conference Opening Session
It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Professor Rosemary Deem, OBE, on Thursday 20 August 2026, aged 77. Rosemary was a pioneer in the sociology of higher education and an incredible leader at Royal Holloway, Bristol, and Lancaster Universities in the UK.
Rosemary is Emeritus Professor of Higher Education Management at Royal Holloway (University of London). During her tenure, she held several key leadership roles, serving as Dean of History and Social Science (2009-11) and Doctoral School Dean (2014-19). She also served as Vice-Principal of Education (2011-17) before transitioning to Vice-Principal for Teaching Innovation and Equality/Diversity (2017-19).
Rosemary previously served within the Faculty of Social Sciences & Law at the University of Bristol, where she led the UK Education Subject Centre, followed by becoming Postgraduate Dean from (2004-2006) and Faculty Research Director (2007-2009).
Before Bristol, Rosemary worked at Lancaster University in multiple leadership roles, including Head of Educational Research (1992-4), Dean of Social Sciences (1994-1997) and University Graduate School Founder/Director (1998-2000). Prior to accepting her first professorship at Lancaster, she worked at the Open University for eleven years.
During her remarkable career, Rosemary championed systemic change in university governance and gender equity. Rosemary was a Fellow of the UK Academy of Social Sciences, a long-standing Co-editor of the journal Higher Education and a joint editor of the Sociological Review (2001-2005), and the first woman to Chair the UK Council for Graduate Education.
Rosemary’s intellect earned her global acclaim, but it was her boundless kindness, generosity, and quiet wisdom that truly changed the world for those around her. In a fast-paced academic world, Rosemary always took the time to uplift others, offering support to her colleagues and opening doors for postdocs and early career academics who were just finding their footing.
To me, Rosemary was much more than a PhD supervisor; she was a guiding light. Thinking of her brings a deep sense of loss, but also immense gratitude for the privilege of being her student and experiencing her kindness firsthand.
Rosemary empowered us to critically analyze organizations, advocate for systemic equality, and uplift others with deep compassion. Her wisdom, her sharp intellect, and her nurturing spirit will be missed by her colleagues, students, and everyone fortunate enough to have worked alongside her.
Rest in peace, Professor Deem. Your kindness and impact will leave a lasting legacy for generations.
Professor Ming Cheng, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
