- Bright Past, Brilliant Future has commemorated the life and legacy of Professor Jim Shields
- He was both Aston University’s last professor of French and its first professor of history
- Professor Shields retired in 2018 after decades of service to higher education, passing away in 2023.
Aston University’s podcast, Bright Past, Brilliant Future, has commemorated the life and legacy of Professor Jim Shields (1957-2023), a former University academic and distinguished scholar who held a chair in French politics and modern history.
The special episode marks the second anniversary of Professor Shields’ passing and brings together colleagues, former students and friends, now academics themselves, to reflect on his remarkable career and lasting impact.
Jim was known for his outstanding contributions to scholarship, his exceptional teaching and his commitment to mentoring students. He was both Aston University’s last professor of French and its first professor of history, a distinction that underscores his influence in shaping the University’s academic landscape.
The podcast, hosted by Dr Brian Sudlow, features conversations with esteemed academics who worked alongside Professor Shields, including Professor Pamela Moores (professor emerita of modern languages at Aston University) and Professor Alistair Cole (Institut de sciences politiques, Lyon), a long-time collaborator. Also joining the discussion are former students who share their personal experiences of Jim’s mentorship, demanding academic expectations and his charismatic teaching style.
The episode also touches on Jim’s passion for teaching, which earned him a Warwick Award for Teaching Excellence in 2007, and his deep engagement with students, inspiring many to pursue careers in academia and beyond. Former students, including Dr Craig Blunt (University of Birmingham) and Professor Stephen Forcer (University of Glasgow), and longtime colleague Professor Jeremy Ahearne (University of Warwick) recall his dedication to shaping young minds, his rigorous academic standards and his infectious enthusiasm for his subject.
Beyond academia, Jim was known for his love of football, a passion he carried from his Scottish working-class roots to the university playing fields, where he was both a fierce competitor and a supportive teammate.
Jim retired in 2018 after decades of service to higher education to spend more time with his family. His passing on 9 February 2023 marked the loss of an academic giant whose influence continues to resonate.
Dr Brian Sudlow, lecturer in history at Aston University, said:
“This special Aston Originals episode serves as a heartfelt tribute to a remarkable scholar, educator and friend.
“Jim’s impact extended beyond the University. His research on the French far-right, including his widely acclaimed book The Extreme Right in France, established him as a leading expert in the field. His insights were regularly sought by global media outlets such as the BBC, CNN and Le Monde, making him one of the most visible commentators on French politics in the English-speaking world.
“His meticulous research and ability to convey complex ideas with clarity made him a trusted voice for journalists and academics alike.
Listeners can tune into the full episode of Bright Past, Brilliant Future on the Aston Original’s YouTube channel.
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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