New Dean aims to make Teesside the number one choice

Dr Simon Stobart is Teesside University’s new Dean of the School of Computing.

He will be overseeing a School that offers a diverse portfolio of courses, ranging from traditional computer science to animation and computer games.

Dr Stobart, 43, from Durham, first joined the University two years ago as an Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Development for the School of Computing.

He said: 'To be appointed as Dean when we’re University of the Year is absolutely fantastic. I’m aiming to make the School the number one place for anyone in the world who wants to study computing, animation and games design. The School has a history of innovation and being at the forefront of technology and is recognised as delivering world leading education and research.'

Dr Stobart grew up in Morpeth and gained his lifelong interest of computers thanks to his father Kenneth, a mining engineering lecturer.

At the age of 18 Dr Stobart enrolled on a BA (Hons) degree in Data Processing at the University of Sunderland. He remained at the University after graduation, initially as a Research Assistant and moved through various computing lecturing roles, progressing to his final position as a Principal Lecturer. While at Sunderland he also achieved a PhD which explored Computer Assisted Software Engineering.

Since joining Teesside University Dr Stobart has played a key role in the School of Computing’s international developments. He added: 'We now have high quality strategic franchise partnerships in Europe, Africa, Middle East and South East Asia. To see these grow and start to flourish is very pleasing.'

Away from work Dr Stobart lives with partner Elizabeth and enjoys travelling and photography.

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