Arden University Bolsters Senior Team

Arden University (@Arden_Uni), a leading UK-based provider of flexible, online and blended learning, has announced the appointment of two new Deans, strengthening its senior team and allowing the university to continue to grow its unique offer.

Finola Farrant has joined the university as its new Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, while Victoria O’Donnell becomes its new Dean of Learning and Teaching and Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor.

The two new appointments, which represent the university’s second and third Dean appointments respectively, are a statement of growth for Arden following a significant uplift in student numbers over the last couple of years.

Victoria has an extensive background in psychology and extensive experience in higher education teaching, including Russell Group and post-92 universities, and has developed a successful and long career in HE management and leadership.

She will take responsibility for driving enhancements in teaching and learning, leading research and scholarly activity in the field of digital education and pedagogy and ensuring Arden students have access to leading educational resources.

She said:

“Arden has a massive potential to lead the sector in providing high quality, contemporary, online learning and teaching. With more students looking for flexible options when studying and starting their higher education journey later than traditionally expected, I’m excited to help Arden become the university that others look to for examples of best practice in digital education and pedagogy.”

Finola arrives at Arden with two decades’ worth of experience in higher education, including 13 years in her most recent role at the University of Roehampton.

She has been tasked with building on the existing portfolio of social sciences courses and developing new programmes to meet the needs of those seeking careers in the sector. Her initial areas of responsibility will cover the School of Law, School of Psychology and School of Policing, Cyber Crime and Security.

“Students in social sciences typically want to make a difference in the world, and a high proportion go on to become managers, directors and senior officials in their fields,” Finola explained. “This represents an exciting opportunity to deliver innovative new programmes which will help to equip these individuals with all the skills they need to enjoy a long and fulfilling career.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to join Arden right now. As an innovative education provider which is on an impressive growth curve there are lots of opportunities for us to develop courses which really tap into the skills that are required by employers in this space.”

CEO and Vice-Chancellor at Arden University, Carl Lygo, said:

“We are really pleased to welcome Finola and Victoria. They each bring a wealth of experience which I’m sure will aid the continued growth of the schools they are tasked with developing.

“These appointments represent our continued commitment to bringing the very best people to Arden with the goal of developing a first-rate student experience which sets our graduates up for success in their future careers.”