Vivienne Sugar was Pro Chancellor of Swansea University between 2005 and 2012. In recognition of her public service in Wales she was presented with an Honorary Degree (LLD – Doctor of Law) in 2013.
She was born in Gorseinon but attended Mynydd Cynffig Comprehensive and Leeds University. Returning to South Wales she worked in Housing in Newport and Cardiff. In 1995 she became Chief Executive of the City and County of Swansea Council and was the first woman to hold such a position in Wales.
She went on to be a member of the Richard Commission reviewing the Welsh devolution settlement, became Wales Adviser to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, worked for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on improving local authority services, founded her own management consultancy company and served on a number of Welsh Government Working Groups.
On being presented with the Honorary Degree she said “I am deeply honoured to be given this Award. Swansea holds a special place in the hearts of everyone who lives, studies and works here. During the period of my Association with the University, it has transformed itself into a high achieving, research- led, ambitious institution.
After retiring from full time work Vivienne became Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Bevan Foundation doing research into poverty and social justice.