Dean of (Internationalisation)/Head of ISLI appointment

We are pleased to announce that Elizabeth Allen has been appointed as our new Dean of Internationalisation and Head of the International Study and Language Institute (ISLI).

Elizabeth will  be responsible for the leadership and management of ISLI. She will play a leading role in our global growth objectives and will work closely with Dr Caroline Baylon, Pro-Vice Chancellor (International), to deliver our institutional priorities related to Internationalisation.

Elizabeth joins us from the University of Bristol, where she is currently Deputy Director and Head of its International Foundation Programme at the Centre for Academic Language and Development.

In that role, she has led the growth and transformation of the International Foundation Programme as a key part of Bristol’s internationalisation strategy.

Prior to Bristol, Elizabeth worked overseas in Qatar, Brunei Darussalam, Bangladesh, South Korea and Spain in a wide range of educational roles.

Elizabeth said: “I am very excited about joining the University of Reading and becoming part of its global community. I am looking forward to working with students and colleagues to further enhance internationalisation, and ensure an excellent student experience which enables students to succeed and thrive as part of a globally networked world.”

Thank you to David Carter

Elizabeth takes over from David Carter, who was Head of ISLI for a six-year term, stepping down at the end of 2023.

He continues as a teaching and research colleague in the Classic Department.

Caroline said: “We are grateful to David for his years of leadership at ISLI, during which he has grown the school’s reputation. He leaves ISLI in a place where it can make a significant contribution to our strategic goals in the years to come.

“I am pleased to welcome Elizabeth to Reading at this important time, with work to develop our internationalisation and global engagement strategy taking shape. Elizabeth’s experience and knowledge make her a great fit for this evolved role and will be another string to our bow as we look to increase our international student intake and global profile.”