海角直播

Two new Deans for 海角直播

The University of 海角直播 has appointed new Deans to head up two of its academic Schools. Dr Derek Simpson is the Dean of the School of Computing, and Liz Barnes Dean of the School of Social Sciences & Law.

Derek, 56, is originally from Cottingham, near Hull, and now lives in Hutton Rudby. Derek has a long history with the University, as he first arrived at the University鈥檚 predecessor, Constantine College, aged 18 to study computer science. He said: 鈥淚n 1967 there were only around six colleges in the UK offering computer science, and I liked Constantine College, it was very friendly. 鈥淭he campus was much smaller then, with no student residences. The changes have been tremendous, both for the University and the town. Everyone concerned should be proud.鈥�

After graduating with a First Class degree in 1971, Derek continued his post-graduate studies in Manchester. He then left academia, working in WH Smiths鈥� management centre in Swindon. Derek's career turned full circle in 1983, when he returned to the then 海角直播 Polytechnic as a Principal Lecturer in the Department for Computer Science, working alongside some of his former lecturers.

Derek added: 鈥淚t鈥檚 quite a leap, moving from student to Dean of School! Naturally I鈥檓 delighted with this new post. I want to see the School develop its research profile and become an ideas factory. I鈥檇 also like the School to have more visiting academics, and to make itself better known by collaborating with other departments, both here and at other Universities. The School has continued to develop its portfolio to meet changes in demand, and I鈥檇 like this to continue.鈥�

Liz Barnes is the new Dean of the School of Social Sciences & Law. Liz was previously Deputy Dean in the University鈥檚 School of Health & Social Care.

Liz, 44, from Norton, first joined 海角直播 Polytechnic in 1987, lecturing in Sport & Exercise. She then transferred to the physiotherapy section, taking a lead role in developing and implementing the Sport Science programme, becoming Programme Leader of the BSc (Hons) degree in 1993. Two years later she was appointed as a Principal lecturer and led the cross-University Managing Diversity project. This aimed to ensure that students鈥� needs were met across the campus, and reduce differences in quality assurance practices between the schools. The project led to the establishment of the Drop in Student Skills Centre (DISCC), based in the Learning Resource Centre.

In 1998 Liz became one of University's first two Teaching Fellows and in 2000 was appointed as Deputy Dean in the School of Health & Social Care. Liz said: 鈥淚鈥檓 looking forward to getting to know other interesting subject areas and making new external contacts. I鈥檇 like to see the School鈥檚 international links develop, and help to raise the School鈥檚 profile. There are good things happening with lots of promise.鈥�

In addition to her new role, Liz is pleased to see how the University has developed over the last 18 years: 鈥淚鈥檝e held lots of different posts, which demonstrates the University鈥檚 opportunity ethos. It鈥檚 been nice to see so many changes; the growth to 20,000 students is phenomenal. There鈥檚 a whole different feel to the University.鈥�

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