Our People – Karen Rodham

Karen Rodham is a Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology and is the Programme Lead of MSc Health Psychology and the Research Pillar for the Department. 

When did you join the University of Chichester and what brought you here? 

I joined the University in August 2021. In terms of what brought me to Chichester, there were a combination of things. I think the first bit of context is to say that I am Bognor Regis born and bred. I think that makes me a ‘Bognorian’. In joining the university, I was able to, in effect ‘come home’.  

I left Bognor in 1989 to study for my psychology degree after having spent a year working at what was then the Graylingwell Psychiatric Hospital. I went straight from my degree to PhD and then took my first grown up academic job in 1995. I then moved around the country gaining experience in different universities including Oxford and Bath.  

Immediately prior to joining the University of Chichester I was living in Stoke-on-Trent working at Staffordshire University. When the pandemic arrived; being unable to travel because of the Covid rules made me realise I was living too far from my sisters, and if I wanted to make sure that I could be a proper hands-on Auntie for their children, I needed to move. And so I began to look for jobs ‘back home’, ideally in West Sussex.  

I noticed that there was a Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology post being advertised. Chichester was only seven miles from where I wanted to relocate, but this was not enough of a reason to apply for the post. However, the opportunity to run a brand new MSc in Health Psychology that had just been accredited was a big draw. I knew I could run an MSc (I had done so in a previous role). The University has a great reputation and does very well in the core metrics people take note of. And I also knew two people who already worked at Chichester both of whom spoke positively about the place. One of them is now the person with whom I share an office; Ian Tyndall and I had met when we examined a PhD together. I knew Ian was a lovely human being who did interesting research, and who spoke very highly about the university.  

These things together, led to me apply to join the University. And I was very happy post-interview, to be invited to join the Chichester ‘family’. 

What’s an average day at work like for you? 

There is no such thing as an average day – there are so many elements to the role: teaching, supervising students, mentoring staff, engaging in outreach, endless emails, offering workshops, writing and so on. If we are lucky, our fantastic colleague James will have made cheesy shortbread biscuits (my favourite) or some other delicious baked goods. You have to keep an eye out for his arrival, because they go very fast!  

As I see it, a core part of my role is to see the best in my students, especially when they can’t see it themselves. We do more than simply teach the students; if we do our job well, we help them become the best versions of themselves so that when they leave us, they are equipped to go forward positively and confidently into the world. 

What do you love most about working at the University of Chichester? 

I love that the university is small enough that there is a real sense of community. Everyone I’ve met is friendly and has a ‘can-do’ attitude. There is something almost magic about the Chichester friendliness. 

What is your greatest achievement in your job or research? 

I am going to be cheeky and pick one personal job achievement and one work-related achievement.  

First the personal. Although I chose to leave the title behind when I applied for the Senior Lectureship here, the job achievement I am proud of was being awarded my Professorship back in 2014. I am most happy that my Dad (whom I adored and greatly miss) was able to come to my inaugural lecture before he died. 

My greatest achievement though I would say, is having the opportunity (alongside my colleagues) to play a small role in the life journeys of our students. Seeing their confidence and competence grow as they complete their qualifications and then go on to do amazing things with their lives is such a special part of our job.