University appoints Director of new Business School

Caroline, a marketing and management consultancy expert, will lead the University’s strong and growing business course offering, and continue to develop close sector relationships across the region.

Commenting on her appointment, Caroline says: “I’m delighted to be joining Solent and taking up this exciting role. It’s clear that colleagues are as passionate as I am about supporting students to reach their potential and it’s no surprise, therefore, that the University’s business courses continue to rise in some of the top league tables.

“Solent is already part of a great community, locally and internationally, with a blend of academic learning and real-world work experience that has secured the University a strong reputation in industry and high student satisfaction scores."

“I will be exploring what we can do to build and develop Solent’s areas of expertise within the Business School, making sure our courses continue to be appealing, relevant, and future-ready.”

“We face challenging times, so I look forward to leveraging my professional skillset and the School’s connections, working with colleagues, students and businesses to exchange knowledge, develop networks and add value to ensure our graduates are career ready, whatever the future brings.”

Caroline recognises the important role the University can play in supporting the local and national economy during these challenging times. Solent launched its Business Recovery Commitment earlier this year and she is keen to look at ways in which the University can work with and alongside the business sector - providing practical help, smart thinking, research and knowledge exchange.

“With many years of industry experience, expertise in leading academic partnerships, and student work experience within the business sector, we are delighted to welcome Caroline and her skillset at this important time for Solent”, says Paul Marchbank, Dean of the University’s Faculty of Business, Law and Digital Technologies. “Her knowledge and expertise will not only benefit the University and its students, but also the wider community.”

Caroline joins Solent from Roehampton Business School, London, where she was Deputy Director of Academic Partnerships. As well as overseeing provision for 7000 students, she has also been involved in a national project to close the awarding gap for black students.

A marketing expert and former media industry business development director, Caroline began her academic career when she joined the University of West London Business School, building successful partnerships in Hong Kong, Cyprus and Sri Lanka.

Prior to this, Caroline worked in management and marketing, latterly as Business Development Director for TEQUILA, a marketing agency, part of Omnicom’s TBWA global communications group.

Solent’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen Stanton says: “The appointment of Caroline as Director of the Solent Business School comes at a key time, as the University prepares to launch a new Strategy, focused on delivering an excellent student experience, research and knowledge exchange, and outstanding academic provision.

“We look forward to welcoming Caroline as we mark this significant milestone at Solent and are sure she will be a great asset to the School, our students and our wider community.”

The University’s Solent Business School was accredited by the Small Business Charter (SBC) June 2014, a national accreditation awarded by small businesses to business schools who excel in supporting SMEs and the local economy.