SETU announces appointment of its first Chief Academic Officer and Deputy President

South East Technological University (SETU) has announced the appointment of Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris as the University’s inaugural Chief Academic Officer and Deputy President.

The appointment marks an important stage in SETU’s development.

The new position was unanimously approved by the University’s Governing Body earlier this year and has taken effect this September.

Professor Dunbar-Morris joins SETU from the University of Buckingham, where she served as Provost and Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic.

A Principal Fellow and National Teaching Fellow of Advance HE, Professor Dunbar-Morris has led major cross-institutional and sector-wide initiatives focused on educational enhancement and innovation throughout her career.

SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell, welcomed the appointment.

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris to SETU as our first Chief Academic Officer. Harriet brings exceptional academic leadership experience, a strong commitment to student success and a proven record of advancing evidence-informed innovation in higher education. 

"We look forward to the contribution she will make in strengthening our academic community, enhancing the student experience and advancing SETU’s strategic priorities,” said Prof Campbell.  

Professor Dunbar-Morris recently undertook a Visiting Fellowship at the University of Oxford, where her research explores lifelong learning and the role of universities in supporting flexible, career-long education.

Professor Dunbar-Morris said she was thrilled to be appointed at a significant stage if the university’s development.

“ The University has an important role to play in transforming lives and communities across the South East through education, research and engagement.

“I am looking forward to building on the excellent work already taking place across SETU and helping to create a learning environment where every student feels supported, included and able to reach their full potential,” said Prof Dunbar-Morris 

Professor Dunbar-Morris has held senior academic leadership positions spanning academic strategy, learning and teaching, research and student experience across a number of institutions including Oxford, Bath, Bradford, and Portsmouth, and has played a significant role in advancing her institutions’ academic priorities and educational provision.

Her research focuses on learning and teaching, assessment, student belonging and institutional approaches to enhancing student success, with a particular interest in inclusive, high-quality learning environments that make a meaningful difference to students’ lives.