First Honorary Professor of Nursing appointed in Aberystwyth

Professor Sandy Harding

Aberystwyth University has appointed Professor Sandy Harding as its first Honorary Professor of Nursing.

A respected healthcare leader, Professor Harding has held senior roles in healthcare education at NHS Wales and Health Education England.  She has led strategic reviews, contributed to national education programmes, and played a key role in developing the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Prince of Wales Nursing Cadet Scheme.

Now serving as Associate Director for Nursing, Policy and Professional Practice at RCN Wales, she continues to shape nursing standards and influence healthcare policy across the country.

Aberystwyth University’s £1.7 million Healthcare Education Centre opened its doors in September 2022, and the first students qualified to work in the health service this summer.

Reacting to her appointment, Professor Harding said:

“I am incredibly honoured to have been appointed as an Honorary Professor at Aberystwyth University. This is deeply meaningful, reflecting not only my personal journey but also the collective progress we are making in nursing education and practice across Wales.

“The development of nursing education in Aberystwyth is a powerful investment in the future of our profession. It ensures that talented individuals can train and qualify close to home, strengthening the local workforce and improving access to care for the people of Ceredigion and beyond.” 

Aberystwyth University offers degrees in Adult and Mental Health Nursing, a Certificate in Healthcare Education, and a Return to Practice programme. 

Amanda Jones, Principal Lead and Head of Healthcare Education at Aberystwyth University said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Sandy Harding as an Honorary Professor here. Her appointment is a testament to her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to nursing education and policy in Wales.

“We recently celebrated the registration of our first ever cohort of nursing students - a milestone that goes to the heart of our University’s mission to change lives for the better. I’m sure that Professor Harding will enrich our academic community and inspire our students as they embark on their careers. We look forward to working closely with her as we continue to develop healthcare education in Aberystwyth for the benefit of our local communities as well as Wales as a whole.”

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