The University of Sunderland has been providing higher education in the city since 1901. The key to this longevity is its ability to adapt to change - something that former Education Secretary Estelle Morris highlights: "The University is extremely good at adapting - constantly seizing new agendas and changing with society... when new ideas are announced academia trails in their wake, taking too long to adjust but Sunderland takes its opportunities and leads the field." Estelle Morris