Alan Soutter, who worked as an administrator at Sussex for several decades, died last year after suffering a degenerative disease for a number of years. Alan made a significant contribution to the University.
Alan was totally reliable, well organised and met deadlines without fail. He was incredibly efficient, punctilious and thorough. He worked hard and prided himself on getting things done. He was recognised for this by both his academic and administrative colleagues, many of whom regarded him as a role model and source of advice and wisdom. In particular, his friendly, helpful and ‘can do’ approach meant that he was much respected by academic colleagues.
He always had plenty to say, was witty and a great deal of fun as a colleague. He often regaled office members with hilarious tales of his professional and non-professional life. A close colleague remembers him as always smiling. Alan grasped the importance of maintaining a good work/life balance long before the phrase became fashionable. Outside his professional life, he was keenly involved in amateur dramatic musical theatre which he loved and for which he clearly had a great talent; his office door always displayed a poster for the latest show in which he was starring and he would cajole everyone to buy tickets.
Whichever office he worked in, Alan sorted things out, turned things around and introduced new developments. He probably most enjoyed the period when his abilities were recognised and he became Deputy Secretary (Governance), which included taking on the role of Secretary to Senate, which he performed with considerable aplomb. His contribution to the effective management of the University was considerable. He was brought back post retirement to sort out a temporary hiatus in governance and committee matters as Acting Head of Secretariat. His retirement party paid tribute to all that he had done and included a performance by a Scottish piper (which, as a proud Scot, he loved).
He was a highly professional man, admired and respected in his work and who left a legacy of excellent work on which the University was able to build. Sussex has much to thank Alan for and is in his debt.
It is a sadness that he was not able to enjoy a carefree retirement of adventure to which he had much looked forward and planned for many years.
Authors: Sarah Butler, Peter Dennis, and Sara Parker.