University academic staff celebrate Readership promotion

Date: August 24, 2026

Two members of Wrexham University’s academic staff are celebrating after being promoted to Reader, recognising their significant contributions to research, teaching and professional practice.

The University’s Professorial and Readership Committee has conferred Readerships* to Dr Shubha Sreenivas, now Reader in Psychology, and Liz Lefroy, Reader in Creative Coproduction.

Wrexham University Vice-Chancellor Professor Joe Yates said: “These appointments demonstrate the value we place on excellence across our academic career pathways. Liz's Readership reflects exceptional achievement through learning, teaching and student success, while Shubha's recognises excellence in research, knowledge transfer, engagement and enterprise. Together, they demonstrate the diverse ways in which colleagues contribute to our University’s strategic ambitions and the success of our students, communities and research.”

Dr Shubha Sreenivas, said: “I am delighted and deeply honoured to have been appointed Reader in Psychology. This reflects years dedicated to research, teaching, and collaborative work with students and colleagues. I feel proud, grateful, and motivated by this recognition, and I see it as both a milestone and a responsibility. Beyond my curious and enquiring mind leading me to research, I had not imagined this career trajectory. I never thought academic roles were an option for someone like me – a woman from a working-class background in India and the first in my family to gain university education. I am ever so grateful to my parents who believed in me and supported me to continue my education as a mature student. I hope to inspire others like me and am excited to continue collaborative research that brings communities together and makes tangible benefits.”

Dr Shubha Sreenivas, Senior Lecturer in Psychology

Liz Lefroy, Reader in Creative Coproduction, added: “Reading and relationship have been the foundations of my life since I was a child, and these two elements are at the heart of my Readership journey. It means so much to me to have this identity conferred officially in recognition of innovations I've made in teaching. Readership means a lifetime of learning and sharing that learning. My work in Creative Coproduction has benefited from input from Outside In, the University’s Lived-Experience focus group who continue to inspire me. Thank you for recognising my work in this way. It's such a strong affirmation of my long teaching career at Wrexham University.”

Liz Lefroy, an academic in social work and therapeutic childcare

* A Readership is an academic level, typically above Senior Lecturer and below Professor, recognising someone’s significant contribution to research, teaching or professional practice.