St Mary’s University appoints Dean of Learning and Teaching

Dr Adam Longcroft has been appointed as Dean of Learning and Teaching at St Mary’s University, Twickenham.

Dr Longcroft will be joining St Mary’s in April from Anglia Ruskin University where he is currently the Deputy Head of Learning and Teaching. Prior to joining Anglia Ruskin, he was Academic Director of Taught Programmes at the University of East Anglia and is an experienced lecturer and senior lecturer.

Adam graduated from Aberystwyth University with a degree in History before completing his masters and PhD at the University of East Anglia. He has published widely in areas of landscape and building history and is a HEA National Teaching Fellow and Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

In his current role, Adam been responsible for designing and implementing a new curriculum framework, alongside the design and delivery of staff development programmes. He is experienced in establishing student-centered teaching strategies and developing academic practice, particularly in relation to Virtual Learning Environments.

In addition he has mentored numbers of staff to achieve recognition against the UK Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) as well as successful applicants for National Teaching Fellowships.

Speaking of his appointment Adam said, “I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed as St Mary’s Dean of Learning & Teaching. I am looking forward to joining St Mary’s as it works towards achieving the ambitious goals set out in Vision 2025, and as it implements its new Learning & Teaching and Retention Strategy. These will be critical in achieving the University’s ambition of securing a ‘Gold’ rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework in 2020.

I feel confident that over the next few years we will continue to enhance St Mary’s reputation not only as an inclusive and welcoming place to study, but also as an outstanding beacon of excellence in both teaching and learning.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic Strategy Prof John Charmley added, “I am thrilled to welcome Adam as St Mary’s first Dean of Learning & Teaching. He brings with him a wealth of experience in this area, and a proven track record in driving up the student experience and helping a drive for Gold status in TEF. Heading up our new Centre for Teaching Excellence and Student Success, Adam, who is one of the select number of Principal Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, will help drive St Mary’s in the same direction.”