Professor Emeritus Michael Kipps 1942-2024

Michael was a food scientist by background, and he brought his knowledge and skills to the newly established Department of Hotel and Catering Management at our University in 1973. During his time at Surrey, he served as a lecturer and senior lecturer and in 1995, he was promoted to Professor.  He retired and was made an Emeritus Professor in 2001. 

His contributions to the Department/School and to the University were vast. He was always a very well-regarded lecturer and remained in close contact with his students throughout his career at Surrey, which took him to positions of Head of School and Dean of the Faculty of Human Studies.  

He was always known for his unflappability and his wise counsel. Michael’s views were always sought and valued on the many issues that face the management of a university. One of his particular contributions was related to the professional year, which is a distinctive characteristic of Surrey. He served as senior professional tutor for his department before going on to oversee the professional year for the whole University – a role which he carried out with great skill and effect. During his time, he championed professional training and ensured that it remained at the core of the University’s provision. 

With his experience and reputation, he was a natural choice as the inaugural head of the newly established School of Management Studies for the Service Sector. This not only included studies in hotel, catering and tourism but, under Michael’s leadership, extended to include retail management, health care management, and eventually to business management more generally; thus, paving the way for the creation of the Surrey Business School and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. 

Above all, Michael, during his time at the University, was valued as an insightful, honest, fair and good-humoured colleague who was always approachable and always ready to see the lighter side of the many complex issues that he faced. He took these characteristics into his various management roles, and they made him a highly regarded member of the University. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. 

Professor David Airey 

May 2024