In loving memory of Professor Paul White

Professor White had a distinguished academic career at the University, joining the Department of Geography in 1974. This followed his higher education at the University of Oxford, rising to become a Professor of European Urban Geography in 1997.

Beyond Sheffield, Paul also held visiting appointments at the University of Oxford, the Université de Paris I (Panthéon-Sorbonne), Università degli Studi di Cagliari (Italy), and the Universidad de Zaragoza (Spain).

Working on the international stage was always extremely important to Paul; he supervised PhD students from over 10 different countries, collaborated with academics from all over the world, and led the development of the University’s International Faculty in Thessaloniki.

Paul was an inspiring and dedicated teacher, most at home when leading students on field classes to Berlin and other European cities. His research on social exclusion showed a deep empathy for marginalised communities.

As a senior University figure, he won respect for his calm and effective leadership, always taking time for a conversation and a gentle smile. We will miss his warmth and collegiality."
 

Professor Peter Jackson

Professor of Human Geography, who worked closely with Paul during his time in the department

Paul went on to serve as Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching from 2004-2014, and acted as Vice-Chancellor for several months during the period 2013-2014. He was then appointed as Deputy Vice-Chancellor until April 2015, when he stepped down from the University Executive Board after 11 years.

Paul continued as a public orator after his retirement, giving orations at over 30 graduation ceremonies.

Paul's research is also widely recognised. He was presented with the Royal Geographical Society's Edward Heath Award for contributions to research on the geography of Europe in 2006, and in 2011 he was elected as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences. In 2008, Paul published a history of Geography at Sheffield for the department's centenary, for which he will be fondly remembered.

Paul took part in the first ever fundraising Big Walk put on by the team in CAR. It was the largest fundraising event I'd organised, and to have Paul's support meant a lot to me.

Paul was incredibly generous, notably towards student hardship. His kindness helped and nurtured so many students, and I know that his memory will live on through the great many people he has helped."

Dave Meadows

Senior Philanthropy Manager

Paul's contributions to higher education were notable, and in July 2016 he received an OBE for his services to the sector. In recognition of his work on higher education policy and practice across the UK and internationally, as well as his work as a geographer, the University awarded him an honorary degree in May 2022. This followed his formal retirement as Professor of European Urban Geography in 2016.

In 2015, Paul took on the role of Deputy Lieutenant for South Yorkshire. Following his formal retirement, he also acted as consultant to higher education institutions in a number of countries. In addition, he was a member of the Trustee Board of our Students' Union for the past seven years, latterly as Deputy Chair.

For nearly eight years, Paul provided sage advice, warm support, a listening ear, and admirable optimism in support of the SU and our members. As Deputy Chair, he supported numerous SU Presidents in their leadership of the Trustee Board, and brought all of his characterful endeavour to that important role.

His contribution to the University, and many thousands of students, will be warmly remembered and respected."

Daryl Ormerod

Students' Union Chief Executive

Professor Paul White will be warmly remembered by everyone who knew him. His far-reaching and impactful contributions to the University, and to higher education more widely, will not be forgotten.

If you have any memories of Paul that you'd like to share with the University, please email alumni@sheffield.ac.uk.