University Centre Shrewsbury appoints first Professor
An experienced academic leader with an extensive record of achievement in higher education has been appointed as University Centre Shrewsbury’s first Professor.
Professor Clare Schofield has been chosen for the senior position, in the institution’s Sustainable Business and Community Development learning and research area.
Prof Schofield joins University Centre Shrewsbury from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) where she was Associate Head of Department and Deputy Director of the Centre for Enterprise in the Faculty of Business and Law. She has been responsible for the operational leadership of a growing research and enterprise centre that is commercially-focused with a team of 40 staff and associates, covering a range of disciplines, and for leading enterprise and entrepreneurship education across the University.
Both these and previous roles have included lecturing, designing and delivering a range of bespoke entrepreneurship and leadership development programmes, spearheading research, and launching business schemes, boards and awards.
Prof Schofield was elected to the Board of Enterprise Educators UK (2012 to 2015), and as Chair of the 2014 International Entrepreneurship Educators Conference.
As Academic Director of the 10,000 Small Business Programme funded by the Goldman Sachs Foundation, Prof Schofield supported businesses to achieve their growth ambitions.
Prof Schofield is also a member of the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship at a national and regional level, including co-chairing the Institute’s Special Interest Group on Entrepreneurial Learning in Organisations.
Professor Tim Wheeler, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “Prof Schofield is an extremely accomplished academic leader, and we are delighted to welcome her to the University Centre.
“Her skills and experience will be invaluable in its development. Prof Schofield’s appointment strengthens the leadership team, academic structure, and the institution’s focus on business and enterprise.”
Councillor Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council said: “I congratulate Prof Schofield on her appointment and wish her every success in her new role, which will help to meet our aim of fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring that graduates are fully equipped with the skills that employers need.”
Prof Schofield added: “I am really pleased to join University Centre Shrewsbury and to contribute to the development of this exciting new University based in the vibrant county of Shropshire.”
The University Centre is being created by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council after research showed there was strong demand and interest in a new institution to serve the needs of the county, affording a range of potential benefits.
