New Teaching and Learning Deans appointed

The University is pleased to announce the appointments of Clare Furneaux, Louise Hague, and Dan Grant to the roles of Teaching and Learning Deans (TLDs) for a six-year term from 1 August 2021.

The TLD roles have been reviewed and revised recently and, going forwards, the postholders will have more focused responsibility for specific cluster Schools.  They will provide leadership for the University’s Teaching and Learning community, supporting and collaborating with the School Directors of Teaching and Learning and the School Directors of Academic Tutoring in their focused areas. 

Key elements of the roles will include ensuring the enhancement of teaching excellence in their cluster Schools and across the wider University and securing improvements which will enable the institution to exceed expectations for students’ experience and success while at Reading.

In addition, the Deans will help to drive the development of the strategic priorities within their School clusters to align both with the vision for Teaching and Learning and with the overall University Strategy.

Announcing the appointments, Pro-Vice-Chancellors for Education & Student Experience, Professors Elizabeth McCrum and Julian Park said: ‘We are delighted that Clare, Louise and Dan have been appointed. They will complete our strong leadership team in Teaching and Learning, joining Katja Strohfeldt in a team of four TLDs from 1 August.  The new appointees each bring a wealth of experience and skills to the team and we look forward to working closely with them over the next academic year and beyond.’

Clare Furneaux said, “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to continue in the role of T&L Dean. It is a privilege to work with the four Schools for which I have been TLD to date, and with the wider T&L community across the University. The last year has shown what an amazing group of dedicated and inspiring colleagues we have in Schools and Functions– and I very much look forward to continuing those partnerships for the benefit of students and staff.”

Louise Hague said, "I have been Teaching & Learning Dean (interim) for the last year during an extremely busy, interesting, and stimulating time and which has also been a very rewarding time. I am delighted to have been appointed to the role and I am very much looking forward to continuing to develop relationships with and working with schools over the next few years."

Dan Grant said, “ Having seen the way the current team of Teaching & Learning Deans has worked together to lead Teaching & Learning and support Schools through challenging times, I am really excited to have been given the opportunity to take on this role.  I look forward to working with colleagues in Schools and Support Services, as we continue to provide an excellent learning experience for our students.”