In Memory of Vicky Harris

It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of Vicky Harris on Thursday 31st 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, UK (now Leeds Beckett University, UK) until she took early retirement in 2006 after over 20 years of service. Many of you that were around in the 80’s 90’s and the noughties may remember Vicky who worked internationally with hospitality and tourism programme leaders to offer opportunities to students and academics in Europe, Asia and the USA to study. She was a great supporter of EuroCHRIE and initiated Leeds hosting the 2007 EuroCHRIE conference.

I had the honour of knowing her for over 35 years as a boss, colleague and dear friend. She was an excellent facilitator, if you had a good idea and she saw the possibilities, then she would fight and support you all the way. On a personal note she offered me every support in my roles in EuroCHRIE and International CHRIE. This was a substantial financial commitment for travel, attendance at conferences and time, but what she did see was the opportunities that networking could offer the University and the School.

Vicky was an innovator and was always ready to move on to the next big project. She always saw the whole picture but then shared the completing and finishing with the rest of her team. Her door was always open and she had time for you. She welcomed visitors into the School in true style and demonstrated the highest degree of hospitality.

Vicky was a highly respected academic with ultimate 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). She worked with the Institute of Hospitality as a Professional Review Panel as well as taking on other roles both nationally and internationally.

Vicky will be remembered for her infectious personality, forthright speaking, quick thinking and sometimes impatience. She positively touched and offered opportunities to so many academic staff careers. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and former colleagues. If you would like to leave a short recollection or message then feel free to do so using the form on this page and I will pass it on.

A donation page in support of Alzheimer’s Research UK has been created in Vicky’s memory.
https://justgiving.com/fundraising/caroline-gibson18

Rai Shacklock
Past President
EuroCHRIE & ICHRIE