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Two new Deans for Teesside

31 January 2005

 

The University of Teesside 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’s predecessor, Constantine College, aged 18 to study computer science. He said: “In 1967 there were only around six colleges in the UK offering computer science, and I liked Constantine College, it was very friendly.

“The 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.”

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’ management centre in Swindon. Derek's career turned full circle in 1983, when he returned to the then Teesside Polytechnic as a Principal Lecturer in the Department for Computer Science, working alongside some of his former lecturers.

Derek added: “It’s quite a leap, moving from student to Dean of School! Naturally I’m delighted with this new post. I want to see the School develop its research profile and become an ideas factory. I’d 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’d like this to continue.”

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

Liz, 44, from Norton, first joined Teesside 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’ 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: “I’m looking forward to getting to know other interesting subject areas and making new external contacts. I’d like to see the School’s international links develop, and help to raise the School’s profile. There are good things happening with lots of promise.”

In addition to her new role, Liz is pleased to see how the University has developed over the last 18 years: “I’ve held lots of different posts, which demonstrates the University’s opportunity ethos. It’s been nice to see so many changes; the growth to 20,000 students is phenomenal. There’s a whole different feel to the University.”


 
 
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