Jisc appoints new trustees to join the "digital revolution"
Our board of trustees is being given a boost with the appointment of three new people, bringing with them a diverse set of skills which will help to strengthen Jisc and ultimately the education and research sectors.
Professor Liz Barnes, vice-chancellor and chief executive at Staffordshire University, will contribute her knowledge and passion for the student experience – a subject that she’s been bringing to audiences all over the world for the last nine years.
Liz said:
“Having recently become vice-chancellor at Staffordshire University I am delighted to be joining the board at Jisc.
In Staffordshire we have delivered computing degree programmes for over 50 years and we are currently moving all of our data to the cloud. We are aspiring to be a digitally led university which is dependent on services such as those provided through Jisc.
Jisc has been a part of our digital solutions in higher education for most of my career and is central to our future providing the networks, connectivity and the ‘know-how’. I am sure that Jisc will continue to play a lead role in visioning and supporting the changes in higher education as technologies impact on delivery and I am privileged to support the ongoing development and provision of this service.”
Susan Bowen is vice-president and general manager at Cogeco Peer 1. She has experience of leading organisational change, implementing new business models and has sat on boards for organisations ranging from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills to TechUK. Susan was recently recognised in CRN UK’s Top 50 Most Influential Women.
Susan said:
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the Jisc team and I will bring my 25 years of experience in the technology industry to the table. I believe that Jisc is uniquely positioned to lead the conversation about digital transformation and my aspiration is that Jisc elevates itself to become the digital backbone behind economic growth and innovation in the UK.”
Rob McWilliam was previously vice-president of consumables at Amazon UK and was formerly finance director of ASDA. He will bring his experience of developing strategy in the technology and consumer sectors.
Rob said:
“These are exciting times to be in the digital revolution in education. Jisc plays a vital role in ensuring the UK sector continues to lead the world, and provides the digitally ‘native' talent our country will need in the decades ahead.”
David Maguire, Jisc chair and vice-chancellor at the University of Greenwich said:
“Susan, Liz and Rob bring exceptional experience and capability into the Jisc organisation. I am sure they will be able to help the UK keep its position as a front runner in global education and research.
I’m excited about working with people of such high calibre and seeing what they will add to the Jisc board.”