Durham University is extremely saddened to hear of the death of Suzanne Duncan, who recently retired as Principal and Chief Executive of East Durham College.
Suzanne played a key role in the development of the Durham Learning Alliance, a partnership between Durham University and four County Durham colleges to expand education opportunities for young people in our region.
With more than 20 years’ experience in the further education sector, Suzanne led East Durham College to three highly positive Ofsted inspections.
She oversaw transformational multi-million-pound investments in the college infrastructure, including the £13m Houghall campus, where students have access to state-of-the-art agriculture facilities.
Durham University was to honour Suzanne’s significant achievements with the award of an honorary degree at Winter Congregation in January 2025.
Suzanne was passionate about providing the very best educational opportunities for young people and adult learners. She helped thousands of students achieve their ambitions, whether that was at a higher level of study within further education, at university or in employment. The region has lost a true champion of the benefits of continuing in further and higher education. Our thoughts are with Suzanne’s family, friends, colleagues and former students at this very sad time.
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