Keele College of Fellows member appointed as Staffordshire’s new High Sheriff

A member of Keele’s College of Fellows has spoken of his pride at being appointed as Staffordshire’s newest High Sheriff, and the first Sikh to ever hold the role. 

The first court opening for High Sheriff Pritpal Singh Nagi MBE DL, a local businessman and one of the inaugural members of Keele University’s College of Fellows, was held today at Collegiate Church of Saint Mary in Stafford, after Mr Nagi was formally sworn in to the new role on 30th March. 

He was joined at the ceremony by a number of colleagues and dignitaries from across Staffordshire, including Keele’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Kevin Shakesheff. 

In his new role as High Sheriff, which he holds for the next year, Mr Nagi will play an active role in supporting community safety initiatives, criminal justice agencies and voluntary organisations working in public safety. 

Mr Nagi said: “I am honoured to have been appointed to this position, and am especially proud to be the first Sikh to hold the role since it was first founded over 1,000 years ago.”  

Mr Nagi is a Staffordshire-based entrepreneur and property developer. He previously held a leadership role as Director of Keele University Science & Innovation Park, supporting regional innovation and growth, and is also a former member of Keele University’s Council. 

Alongside his business ventures, he is deeply committed to charitable work, actively supporting youth and military causes through his role as Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, where he champions community engagement and Armed Forces initiatives. He was awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to Business and charity in Staffordshire.