The Leadership Foundation for Higher Education has appointed Professor Teresa Rees CBE AcSS as its new Director for Wales. Professor Rees’ main responsibilities will include keeping in touch with the leadership and organisational development needs of Welsh higher education institutions and developing programmes and initiatives for them.
Professor Rees has recently completed six years as Pro Vice-Chancellor at Cardiff University, where she is currently an Associate PVC and a Professor in the School of Social Sciences. She has also chaired two high profile Commissions of Inquiry on higher education funding and student support for the Welsh Assembly Government.
Speaking about her appointment, Professor Rees said:
“I am delighted to have this opportunity to work with the Leadership Foundation and colleagues across Wales to enhance leadership in our higher education institutions. The sector faces some serious challenges and imaginative and bold leadership, drawing on the best training and consultancy from the Leadership Foundation, now and in the future will be essential”.
Ewart Wooldridge, Chief Executive of the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education added:
“I am so pleased that Professor Rees has agreed to take up this role. She has personally benefited from the Leadership Foundation, being a ‘graduate’ of our Top Management Programme and having been awarded a Leadership Foundation Fellowship to embed equality in Cardiff University”.
Amanda Wilkinson, Director of Higher Education Wales said:
“Professor Rees is taking up her role at a time of fundamental change in Welsh Higher Education. She has worked closely with Higher Education Wales on a variety of issues and is held in high esteem. We look forward to working with her when she takes up her new position in the autumn”.
At the Times Higher awards last year, Cardiff University won the Leadership Foundation sponsored award Outstanding Contribution for Leadership Development for their researchers’ development programme .
Professor Rees is replacing Dr Heather Graham, the Leadership Foundation’s first Director for Wales, who is retiring at the end of March.
Commenting on Dr Graham’s retirement, Mr Wooldridge said:
“Heather has really established the presence of the Leadership Foundation in Wales, energetically engaging with institutions and stakeholders alike. She has placed a particular priority on key issues such as research, governance and the managing of change. We wish her well in her retirement.”
Last updated: 28 March 2011