Meet the Team

Our core team works year-round to make your student experience the highest quality possible. This involves supporting the Sabbatical Officers in delivering their manifesto priorities, offering advice, coordinating Reps, managing clubs and societies, and much more.
Our core team works year-round to make your student experience the highest quality possible. This involves supporting the Sabbatical Officers in delivering their manifesto priorities, offering advice, coordinating Reps, managing clubs and societies, and much more.

Our diverse team work to deliver various activities, events, and campaigns to improve your student experience. From socials to meet new people to training students to effectively represent you, if you're interested in it so are we. Pop into our SU at Penryn Campus or Falmouth Campus to say hello.

Sabbatical Officers

General Enquiries

SU President Falmouth

Max Taylor

Hello! I’m Max (they/them), and I’m the SU’s 2026/27 President Falmouth. I represent all students enrolled at Falmouth University, so my job is to make sure that student voices are heard at the highest levels of university decision making. My main priority is student finance reform. I’m a Cornish local who has just finished my BA(Hons) Fine Art at Falmouth campus, so I love the arts and all things Cornwall. Outside of the SU I love to get lost in the woods, dance, go beach swimming with friends, write, craft, and read a good book.

SU President Exeter

Toby Hawkins

Hey everyone!

SU Vice President Exeter

Poppy Chapman

Hiya! I'm Poppy (she/her), and I am the SU's 2026/27 Vice President Exeter. My job is to represent students at Truro campus as well as championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, to ensure that all students have a fair and fulfilling student experience across both Penryn and Truro campuses. This year, I finished my BSc Marine Biology degree down here in Cornwall. Having been a student rep for all three years of my degree, I am super passionate about the importance of student voice in creating positive change. Outside of my job I spend my time with friends at the beach, or getting stuck int a good book or craft project!

SU Vice President Falmouth

Lottie Reynolds

Heya, I’m Lottie (She/Her) and I work as your 2026/27 Falmouth Vice President at The SU. My role is ensure students have an understanding of the needs of Falmouth campus students and of ensuring that students based there have an equivalent student experience to those at other campuses. I studied Creative Writing here at Falmouth University and graduated in 2026. Working as a rep and SU crew, I was able to build my confidence in communicating the needs of students and providing interactive events. When I’m not at work you’ll find me exploring the pubs and beaches of Cornwall, reading a good book or trying out a new form of exercise!

Senior Leadership Team

Chief Executive Officer

Angela Novell

Angie smiles at the camera while stood in front of palm trees on Penryn Campus

Angela Novell is CEO of Falmouth & Exeter Student Union based at the university campus in Penryn, Cornwall. Angela has worked in the voluntary sector for more than 20 years and brings her experience in values-led strategic leadership, business planning and community education to the team. She has held executive posts at award-winning charities in Buckinghamshire where in 2020 she led her former charity to be awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service. Angela is a Vice Chair of governors at MK College Group and is a member and founder president of Soroptimist International Milton Keynes supporting women and girls; locally and through global initiatives. Angela is delighted to return to the county with her family and to have the honour of serving the vibrant student community in Cornwall.

Central Services

Finance Manager

Rhian Robertson

Rhian is a white woman with blode hair to her chin. She smiles at the camera and wears a white shirt and silver jewellery.

Hello, I'm Rhian, I work closely with the Central Services team to ensure the smooth running of all finance and HR related matters within the SU! I Have lived in many places throughout the UK and Cornwall is definitely one of my favorites, with all the glorious beaches and attractions which myself and my family love to visit in our free time! Also it helps that I LOVE scones and I am a jam first kinda gal, so I fit in here quite nicely!!!

People and Governance Manager

Henry Massimo

Henry is wearing a striped shirt and smiling at the camera. He is stood in front of blue flowers

Hi, I’m Henry (he/him)- the SU's People and Governance Administrator. I'm responsible for enabling good governance within the SU, supporting the work of the CEO and Board of Trustees, and administering the SU's HR processes. I read History and International Relations at the Penryn Campus, back when the SU was known as FXU. Being involved in Student Voice and Activities was a huge part of my student experience, and I would absolutely recommend it. Outside of the office, you’ll most likely find me running along the beautiful Cornish coast.

Advocacy

Head of Advocacy

Saranna Chipper-Keating

A photo of Saranna in the Italian Gardens on Penryn Campus

Hi! I'm Saranna (she/her) and I am Head of Advocacy. I have a background in higher education and am passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion in research and education. Since moving to Cornwall in 2021 I've started sea swimming and have swum through every winter - without a wetsuit! I love surfing, camping, exploring gardens and glasshouses, and can usually be found in a gym class after work.

Student Advisor

Jo Barrett

Jo stands in the sunshine, wearing sunglasses, a relaxed, black jumpsuit, with her hands in the pockets. Jo has short blonde hair and smiles broadly.

Hi, I’m Jo – one of the Student Advisors in the Advocacy Team. I’ve been working in advice roles for many years and really enjoy helping people feel more informed and confident. I’m passionate about sharing information in a way that empowers you to take the next steps – something that fits perfectly with this job. Outside of work, I’m a big foodie and love planning, shopping for, and cooking delicious meals for family and friends or just myself. I swim in the sea all year round, enjoy walking the Cornish coastal paths, and have completed the Camino de Santiago – a fantastic experience I’d recommend to anyone!

Student Advisor

Katie Cook

Katie, a white woman smiles, facing the camera directly. She wears a black top and red cardigan with a chunky long necklace.

Hi, I'm Katie, one of the Student Advisors in the Advocacy Team. I'm here to provide advice, support, and advocacy for students, as well as striving to empower students to advocate for themselves. So it works well that helping people is one of my passions in life! Beyond my professional role, I find joy in creating art, engaging in fun crochet projects, and I cherish spending time in the tranquility of nature and exploring remote parts of Cornwall.

Student Advisor

Jo Rusden

Jo stands in front a green plant with flowers. She has long brown hair and wears and checked top with bows on the front.

Hi, I’m Jo – one of the Student Advisors in the Advice and Advocacy Team. I’m originally from London, but I’ve called Falmouth home for the past 18 years and absolutely love it here. When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me out running through the Cornish countryside, baking something sweet, reading a good book, or cheering on a basketball game. I also really enjoy making the most of all the amazing outdoor spaces we’re lucky to have in Cornwall.

Academic Representation Project Coordinator

Niamh Broad

Hiya! I’m Niamh (she/her) and I work as the Academic Representation Project Coordinator here at The SU. My role is to support both academics and students to get the most out of their time here and to get their voices represented. I studied History and Politics here at Penryn, graduating in 2025. Being a rep myself, I was able to get first-hand experience into the feedback cycle, so I am always here for a chat. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me exploring all the best coffee shops and beaches around Cornwall, building Lego or watching Formula 1!

Engagement

General Comms Enquiries

Head of Engagement

Kayleigh Hardy

A photo of Kayleigh in a garden

I’m Kayleigh (she/her) and I'm Head of Engagement at The SU. I look after union democracy and decision-making, communications and insights. I love sharing student stories and showcasing the amazing experiences people have with our students' union. My role supports the other SU teams in finding out what you want from your SU and making sure you know where and when you can find it. When I’m not working, you’ll find me on a netball court, walking by the sea, playing my Nintendo Switch or heading out for dinner at the latest Cornwall pop-up.

Marketing and Insights Coordinator

Bethan Jones

Bethan has bright red hair, blue eyes and a nose ring and septum piercing. she is wearing a yellow star pimple patch an staring at the camera

Hey, I’m Bethan and I work as the Marketing & Insights Coordinator here at The SU. Half my job is all about content and social media and the other half researches the student experience. Outside of SU life, I am a grassroots rugby content creator and social media manager so my weekends are spent at the side of a rugby pitch. Plus, you’ll usually find me in Finns on a Saturday night enjoying Falmouth followed by a Sunday of watching motorsport.

Democracy and Engagement Coordinator

Georgi Griskeviciene

Georgi wears a beanie hat and smiles at the camera over the head of her small baby who is wrapped up in a baby carrier. She has blonde wavy hair. Hi, I’m Georgi (she/her), and I’m the Democracy and Engagement Coordinator here at the SU. My job is all about helping students get involved in shaping the decisions that matter - from running the Student Forum to supporting our Student Collectives. I studied Marine Biology here in Cornwall and was a Sabbatical officer here in 2022/23. I’m passionate about making sure every student feels like they belong and have a voice here. When I’m not working, you can usually find me on hiking the Southwest Coast Path with my dog and toddler, swimming in the sea, teaching people about marine wildlife from a boat out of Penzance or helping new mums feel confident with Breast Feeding. Pop in to say hi any time - I’d love to hear your ideas and support you in getting more involved with your SU!

Democracy and Engagement Coordinator (Maternity Cover)

Caitlin Ridgway

Hi, I’m Caitlin (she/her) and I’m covering for the Democracy and Engagement Coordinator. My role focuses on supporting students to engage with SU democracy and decision-making, such as Student Forum and Make A Change. I studied International Relations and Social Anthropology in St Andrews, Scotland before serving as a sabbatical officer in 2023-2025 at the Students’ Association, eventually arriving in Cornwall last summer. My experience in the student movement has made me passionate about providing students with the tools they need to advocate for issues that matter to them. Outside the SU I enjoy experimenting with new baking recipes (although my sourdough still needs work), attending indie music events, and learning about feminist history.

Communities

General Enquiries

Head of Communities

Charlie Florey

Charlie wears a burgundy top and looks directly at the camera

I’m Charlie, Head of Communities. I have a background in the Charities Sector and I’m passionate about community engagement and volunteering. I’m here to maximise your university experience and create a diverse range of opportunities for all students. I moved to Cornwall in 2019 and really enjoy all things Ocean related. After work you’ll find me down at the beach surfing, swimming or having a BBQ.

Sports Coordinator

Tom Milburn

Tom wears a striped top and looks directly at the camera with blue flowers in the background

I’m Tom and I am the Sports Co-ordinator at the SU. I joined the SU from Truro College back in 2023 and have over ten years experience of working in education. My experience within sport is predominantly in Football from playing to recently becoming a level 4 FA referee. I enjoy supporting students with their sporting projects and utilising my previous experience within sport to help clubs develop and thrive.

Activities Coordinator

Jasmine St John Wallis

Hi I'm Jasmine, and I'm part of the Activities team here at the SU. Having studied Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University myself, I know first hand what an incredible experience student life here can be. My role involves supporting all of your society events, socials, and activities – basically, I'm here to help make your university experience as fun as possible! When I'm not working with our fantastic societies, you'll find me exploring every inch of Cornwall's beautiful coastline, regardless of the weather i'll be swimming, surfing, or stand-up paddleboarding in our gorgeous waters. I'd love to help you get involved with our societies and make the most of your time here. Drop by and say hello!

Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union logo

Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union
Penryn Campus
Penryn, Cornwall
TR10 9FE

© Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union 2021

Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales, charity number 1193045