Posted Thursday 12 September 2019
Kingston University Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier will play a key role in representing the interests of technical and professional institutions across the United Kingdom after joining the new leadership team of prominent sector body University Alliance.
Professor Spier has taken up the role of treasurer for the leading mission group, alongside new chair Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, and deputy chair Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes.
The newly elected team, which will lead the organisation for the next three years, takes office as University Alliance launches its new vision, mission and strategy, championing the role of technical and professional universities to unlock potential and effect change for individuals, communities, the public sector and the country as a whole. Over the coming year, University Alliance will prioritise delivering for the professional needs of the future, including meeting NHS workforce challenges, and promoting the importance of the creative industries.
Professor Spier said University Alliance gave a voice to a crucial part of the higher education sector. "Member institutions are educating the country's engineers, architects, nurses, and teachers, to name but a few, in research rich environments, providing them with professional and vocational skills integral to our society and economy," he said.
"The Alliance plays a key role in championing such values as social mobility - all too often overlooked or not given sufficient importance across other parts of the sector. Providing graduates with the knowledge and skills to thrive once they complete their degrees must be a key focus for the sector, ensuring all students have equal opportunities to succeed, irrespective of their start in life."
The leadership team will work alongside University Alliance chief executive Vanessa Wilson to implement the body's strategic plan and further the interests of member institutions. Their commitment and counsel would be key to ensuring the success of its mission and vision going forward, Ms Wilson said.
"Alliance institutions deliver real assets relevant to the needs of today and tomorrow, developing the future workforce and solving the problems facing society locally, nationally and around the world. At this critical time for higher education, and the delivery of the industrial skills strategy post-Brexit, the success of Alliance universities is therefore more crucial than ever."
12 November 2024
12 November 2024
11 November 2024