The University of Salford has announced the appointment of Professor Richard Stephenson as the University’s new Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Stephenson is currently interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Plymouth University after having held the posts of Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Experience and Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean since 2009. He takes up the role that was vacated by Salford’s current Vice-Chancellor, Helen Marshall, upon her appointment.
Following a successful early career as a Chartered Physiotherapist, Professor Stephenson has had more than 26 years’ experience in higher education, initially working at Leeds Metropolitan University. As Head of the School of Allied Health Professions within the University of East Anglia, he led the growth of the School in both teaching and research before holding an interim appointment as Dean of Health in 2008.
As part of his interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor role at Plymouth University, he has led the implementation of the strategic framework and development of performance metrics, creating a detailed “road map” for the future. As strategic lead for the student experience he has worked closely with the Students’ Union to enhance the “students as partners” ethos of the University. His academic portfolio includes the faculties of Science and Engineering, Health and Human Sciences and Plymouth University Peninsula School of Medicine and Dentistry.
Richard has particular expertise in the development of inter-professional and interdisciplinary learning and working. He has represented his professional body extensively in curriculum development and quality assurance, and has represented the wider agenda of the health professions through national bodies including serving 6 years as elected member of the Executive Committee of the Council of Deans of Health (2008-14).
Richard’s research encompasses his passion for an understanding of the brain, including the conceptualisation and perception of pain, recovery of function post-neurological lesion, and therapeutic interventions in both chronic pain and movement disorders post-stroke. His research and publications also span curriculum development and clinical reasoning.
University of Salford Vice-Chancellor, Professor Helen Marshall said; “I am delighted to welcome Richard to our Executive team. He has significant leadership experience at senior level and has demonstrated considerable success in realising challenging strategic priorities.
“As Deputy Vice-Chancellor, our Deans of School will report directly to Richard and he will have overall responsibility for our Industrial Collaboration Zone (ICZ) strategy as well as our Academic Growth & Diversification and International sub-strategies.
“With his exte
