Supporting students at every step

University of Plymouth welcomes new Presidents

New Students' Union Presidents 2025-2026 meet senior University staff

29 July 2025

The University of Plymouth has welcomed the new team representing its students at the executive level.

Presidents Dindu Okechukwu, Josh Frost, Natalie Shotton and Kwaku Marfo were elected by the student body to lead the University of Plymouth Students’ Union (UPSU) for 2025/26.

Based at the heart of Plymouth’s city centre campus, UPSU is the independent body that works with the University to ensure students are always at the core of its decision-making. In a new set-up for 2025, three of the four Presidents are now aligned to each of the University’s three Faculties.

And one of their first actions as a team was to meet some of the University’s senior leadership team (pictured above) to discuss ideas for the year ahead.

Reece Foster

Dindu Okechukwu

Reece Foster

UPSU Presidents 2025-26

I was President of the SU last year and being re-elected was an absolute privilege.

All four of us are so passionate about Plymouth and we’ve all experienced what it’s like being a student through very different lenses, each with our own challenges and views. In our new set up, and building on established relationships, I’m confident we can further our support for students and ensure their voices are heard in everything the University does.

Dindu Okechukwu (credit Reece Foster) .jpg

Dindu Okechukwu, President of the Students’ Union and member of the University’s Board of Governors

Front and centre of the collaborative work between UPSU and the University is ensuring that students’ voices continue to be incorporated into the student experience.

For example, the team is already looking ahead to new arrivals in September, giving vital feedback on what can help students to settle in.

I am driven to ensure the student experience is as cohesive and enjoyable as it can possibly be for all students, home, international and commuter.

It is important that the student voice remains strong in the discussion room and that we continue to have a seat at the table when important decisions are made, so I’m really pleased to be taking this role on.

Josh Frost, President of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business

Teaching and learning is understandably a key focus, but I’m also keen to get across the many and varied additional opportunities students can enjoy here at uni – like placements, mentoring and student groups.

I’m also passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring a supportive student experience in the Faculty and beyond, and it was great to meet the senior team to understand more about how we can work together throughout the year.

Natalie Shotton (credit Reece Foster).jpg

Natalie Shotton, President of the Faculty of Health

If I could change one thing in my Faculty, I would improve industry connections for students.

I’d like to work on strengthening partnerships through collaborations and networking events, and promoting mentorship programs to bridge the gap between academia and industry. I’m looking forward to getting conversations started.

Kwaku Marfo, President of the Faculty of Science and Engineering

The meeting with senior staff also saw fond farewells to outgoing elected representatives, Darcie Jones and Krupa Naik, who were previously Vice President (VP) Education, and VP Wellbeing and Diversity respectively.

In addition to the new Faculty Presidents, UPSU will be inviting applications from new Course and School representatives in September.

We pride ourselves on supporting and caring for our students in everything we do, but need to ensure we keep checking in to understand how everything is *actually* going.

The recent National Student Survey (NSS) results show that Plymouth’s teaching, learning and support is well received – and work is ongoing to ensure that trajectory continues.

The new President team is really well placed to come with us on this journey, so we’re very excited about the year ahead.

Steve Gaskin
Associate Director for Student Experience and Co-Chair of the University’s Student Voice Group

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