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New Deans to build on University’s success

29 February 2016

 

Teesside University has appointed a new senior leader to drive forward one of its academic schools.

Professor Steve Cummings.
Professor Steve Cummings.

Professor Steve Cummings is to become Dean of the University’s School of Science & Engineering.

It follows the appointment of the School’s previous Dean, Professor Simon Hodgson, as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation).

Three other University stalwarts have also taken on the role of Dean in their respective Schools as the University unveils Teesside 2020 – a five year vision which aims to grow student numbers and places the student learning experience as the key to continuing success.

Jill Morgan was appointed Dean of the School of Arts & Media towards the end of last year and Professor Paul Crawshaw and Marion Grieves were made Acting Deans of the School of Social Sciences, Business & Law and the School of Health & Social Care, respectively.

Professor Cummings previously held the role of Associate Dean (Academic) and Professor of Microbiology in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria University.

Bringing a wealth of experience and expertise as both a senior manager and researcher, Professor Cummings is widely published in his field. His research interests include how complex microbial communities are implicated in a number of diseases. He has also worked extensively on antibiotic resistance and exploiting nitrogen-fixing bacteria to improve soil fertility in agricultural systems.

Professor Cummings will take up post in April and is joining Teesside University at an exciting time with £6m recently invested in science and engineering facilities. The project has seen a three storey glass extension to the Orion building and major refurbishment of the laboratories. The latest industry standard equipment has also been installed, including a flight simulation laboratory, jet engine testing room and process control facility.

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Paul Croney also recently unveiled Teesside’s ambitious five year plan – Teesside 2020 - which will establish the University’s international reputation for academic excellence and attract students from across the globe.

He said: 'We are determined to deliver excellence for our students, partners and the communities we serve and to do that we need strong leadership within our Schools and Departments.

'I am delighted with the appointment of Professor Cummings and believe we have an extremely strong leadership team to help us deliver Teesside 2020.'


 
 
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