Education

Published: January 22, 2025 | Updated: 22nd January 2025
Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has a new vice-chancellor and CEO in Lisa Mann.
Currently deputy vice-chancellor, she succeeds Prof Paul Gough, who retired from the post at the end of last year after five years with AUB.
Lisa joined the university in December 2022 as executive director of innovation, which saw her introduce a range of new courses and an undergraduate school focusing on the leadership and management of the arts and creative industries.
She’s previously served as head of higher education at the Fashion Retail Academy – an industry-led college founded by Next, M&S, F&F and Experian – as well as a top position at Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design.
Lisa said: “It’s an honour for me to be appointed as vice-chancellor and CEO for AUB.
“The university has worked hard to evolve, innovate and grow during recent years to ensure its continued success as a destination that offers excellence in nurturing creatives and their talent, while they prepare themselves for successful careers in the arts.
“In the last two years, we’ve introduced a new school, the School of Arts, Media and Creative Industries Management.
“And we’ve significantly expanded our curriculum to include undergraduate degrees in communication design and strategy, creative direction, digital content production and strategy, events management, media, marketing and advertising, and fashion management and strategy.
“The new courses are specifically designed to give students practical, theoretical and professional skills that are important for every AUB graduate entering the world of work to begin or continue their career journey.”
Dorothy Mackenzie, chair of the board of governors at AUB, added: “We’re delighted that Lisa is to become our new vice-chancellor.
“Her commercial acumen, action orientation, innovative approach to academic management and inclusive leadership style are qualities increasingly sought in leaders in higher education in the current challenging environment.
“We’re confident that Lisa will lead AUB to continued success, innovating across the curriculum, creating new opportunities and forging new partnerships.”