Lee-Ann Durrant
President of Education
- L.Durrant3@uos.ac.uk
- School/Directorate
- Vice-Chancellor's Office
Lee-Ann Durrant is a passionate and community-driven leader based at the University of Suffolk Students Union Hub in Ipswich. With a strong background in student engagement and advocacy, she brings a wealth of experience in creating inclusive, supportive environments where individuals feel empowered to thrive. Her work is deeply rooted in values of equity, care, and collaboration—qualities that have shaped her approach to leadership and partnership building across education, research, and enterprise.
Lee-Ann’s journey is marked by resilience and purpose. As a full-time carer for both her parents, she balances personal responsibility with professional dedication, demonstrating unwavering commitment to both her family and her role.
She is known for her ability to connect authentically with students and stakeholders, and for championing local impact through meaningful initiatives. Whether working with research partners or supporting enterprise projects, Lee-Ann brings clarity, compassion, and a bold vision for change.
My passions are driven by a student-centred approach to learning and teaching, shaped by my deep commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and empowerment. My expertise lies in fostering environments where learners feel heard, valued, and supported, particularly those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds. My experience facilitating workshops, mentoring student leaders, and co-creating initiatives that enhance the student experience both inside and outside the classroom.
I am particularly skilled in building bridges between academic and pastoral support, ensuring that learning is not only intellectually enriching but also emotionally sustainable. The work I do often intersects with themes of community engagement, leadership development, and social justice, making me a valuable contributor to interdisciplinary teaching and collaborative learning projects.
My research and knowledge exchange work is rooted in historical inquiry, archival practice, and community engagement. I have contributed to transcription projects for both Suffolk Archives and the Library of Congress, helping to preserve and digitise historical records for public access and scholarly use.
My experience as an Archive Assistant and my involvement in Suffolk Archives’ Outreach Programme reflect my commitment to making history accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.
My research interests include local Suffolk history, archival accessibility, and the role of storytelling in shaping collective memory. I am passionate about connecting academic research with lived experience, and regularly collaborates with heritage organisations to promote inclusive knowledge exchange.
My work bridges traditional research with public engagement, and I continue to seek opportunities to contribute to interdisciplinary projects that celebrate community heritage and empower underrepresented voices.
I like to brings a strategic and value-led approach to business engagement and enterprise. I am currently part of the project management team for the development of a new student hub, overseeing planning, stakeholder engagement.
My ability to align diverse interests and maintain clear, ethical direction ensures that every decision reflects shared values and long-term impact.
With a strong background in community collaboration, I enjoy working closely with local eco companies, creating pathways that support both student development and sustainable business growth.
I also partners with charities that serve underrepresented cultural groups, helping to raise awareness and funding for inclusive community spaces. My strengths lie in relationship-building, ethical leadership, and turning vision into action through thoughtful, collaborative enterprise.