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University alum appointed Pro-Chancellor for Social Mobility at the University of Wolverhampton

14/09/2021
University alum appointed Pro-Chancellor for Social Mobility at the University of Wolverhampton

Sandra Wallace, Joint Managing Director for UK and Europe of the global law firm DLA Piper and interim co-chair of the government’s Social Mobility Commission, has been appointed as Pro-Chancellor for Social Mobility at the University of Wolverhampton. 

Sandra Wallace was the first of her family of six to go to university and graduated with a law degree from the University of Wolverhampton. Her career with DLA Piper started in 1992 when she joined as a trainee solicitor, rising to her current role as Joint Managing Director with a leading reputation in employment law. 

She is well-known for her passionate determination to drive social mobility within the legal sector and has been recognised for helping those from less privileged socio-economic backgrounds succeed. 

Sandra is also recognised on the Powerlist 100 for British people of African, African Caribbean or African American heritage who have risen to the top of their profession. She has also been awarded Champion of the Year at the Social Mobility Awards. 

The University of Wolverhampton presented the Pro-Chancellor Social Mobility title to Sandra at a graduation ceremony on Thursday, 16 September 2021.   

On her new role, Sandra said: “I am thrilled and humbled to be honoured with this role for my University. I always say that the University of Wolverhampton was truly where my educational life and subsequent career began: a place that accepted, encouraged and inspired me and prepared me for the career and life to come. 

“To have this opportunity to contribute something meaningful and relevant to the university that helped shape and inspire me to strive is a wonderful thing. And I am proud and grateful that my firm, DLA Piper, is so committed to the cause of social mobility in all respects.” 

Sandra is the first member of the University’s alumni community to become a Pro-Chancellor. 

The University of Wolverhampton graduation ceremonies are taking place at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton from Thursday 9 September – Friday 17 September 2021.    

The 17 ceremonies will see over 3,000 students who completed their studies in 2020 collect their awards.    

It is the first time the University has held a graduation ceremony since December 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.    

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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