In memory of Vicky Harris

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of colleague and highly respected academic, Vicky Harris on Thursday 31^st March 2022 after a short illness.

Vicky had been Head of School for Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management and Associate Dean at Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University) until she took early retirement in 2006.

Vicky joined HCIMA (before it became the IoH), as a member in 1986 and later became an IoH Fellow. During her 27 years of IoH membership (1986-2013), she worked with the Institute of Hospitality as a Professional Review Panel member conducting accreditation reviews until December 2011.

Vicky had the highest standards. She chaired the original benchmarking group for the QAA subject benchmark statements for hospitality, leisure, sport, and tourism (2000). She was a QAA Subject Assessor and an Executive Committee member of the Council for Hospitality Management Education (CHME) as well as taking on other numerous roles both nationally and internationally.

Vicky will be remembered for her infectious personality, forthright speaking, quick thinking and commitment and contribution to education in the field of hospitality, tourism and events management.

Professor Peter A Jones MBE FIH, Chair, Professional Review Panel commented: “Vicky had a passion and enthusiasm for hospitality education that came from her strong industry roots and her belief in professional education and training. In her work with the Professional Review Panel, she was always professional, measured, critical when required yet very supportive of any application that was clearly aimed at doing the very best for their students. Her professionalism, persistence and personality were always badges worn with great pride.”

We offer our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and former colleagues, from IoH CEO Robert Richardson FIH, and the IoH team.

Leeds Beckett University: Obituary – Vicky Harris