Debra Humphris

Debra Humphris is an English academic and nurse who was the vice chancellor of the University of Brighton from 2015 to 2024.

Biography As a registered nurse, Humphris worked at the South Thames regional health authority and St George's Hospital Medical School, where she conducted research for the Doctor of Philosophy degree. After completing her education, Humphris became a professor of health care development at the University of Southampton, where she led the New Generation Project to evaluate the university's health care curriculum. In 2008, she became the pro vice chancellor for education and student experience at the University of Southampton.

Humphris was appointed as pro rector for education at Imperial College London in 2012, and vice provost for education in 2013. She is one of few openly LGBT university leaders in the United Kingdom. As vice chancellor, Humphris advocated for the transformation of Preston Barracks, an 18th-century military installation, into new student residences and the university's business school. In 2018, she was elected as a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians.