DASSH UK is pleased to announce the appointment of its committee, bringing together senior academic leaders from across the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities to represent the sector, share expertise and support the continued development of these disciplines across UK higher education.
The appointed committee brings together a broad range of expertise, reflecting the diversity of disciplines and leadership challenges represented within DASSH.
Professor Sian Rees, Deputy Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Swansea University, is Chair of DASSH UK. Alongside her extensive experience in public relations, marketing and publishing, Sian’s research explores authentic branding in the digital age, crisis management, sports branding and student employability. Her leadership will continue to support DASSH’s ambition to provide a strong voice and collaborative network for senior leaders across the sector.
Dr Sophia Bokhari, Head of Psychological Sciences at the University of East London is Vice Chair. She brings more than two decades of higher education experience to the committee. Her work focuses on academic achievement, student success, progression and social mobility, with a particular interest in creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.
Professor Virginie Grzelczyk, Professor of International Relations and Head of Inclusion and Development at Aston University is Secretary of the committee. She brings expertise in international relations, North Korea, sanctions and leadership under constraint, alongside significant experience of university leadership, internationalisation and organisational change. Her current work leading Aston University’s strategic inclusion agenda adds an important perspective on diversity and inclusion within higher education.
Professor Ann Luce, Professor of Journalism and Health Communication and Dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries at the University of the West of Scotland, brings strategic leadership experience across teaching, research and enterprise. Her work is focused on developing innovative, cross-disciplinary approaches to business and creative industries education and preparing students and institutions for the future.
Dr Jen Mayer, Head of the School of Human and Social Sciences at the University of West London, contributes extensive academic leadership experience alongside expertise in Psychology. Her research interests include cognitive and developmental psychology, autism spectrum disorders and atypical sensory processing.
Professor Cate Carroll-Meehan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at Liverpool Hope University, brings extensive experience across higher education leadership, teaching and research. Her academic expertise includes early childhood education, educational leadership and management, teacher education, curriculum and pedagogy, and education policy.
Together, the committee represents a wide range of academic disciplines, institutional perspectives and areas of expertise. This breadth will be particularly valuable as the sector navigates significant changes affecting higher education, including financial sustainability, changing patterns of student demand, the future of research and teaching, widening participation, technological developments and the evolving role of universities within society.
The committee will play an important role in ensuring that DASSH continues to provide a space for senior leaders to discuss these challenges openly, exchange ideas and identify opportunities for collaboration.