The University of the West of England (UWE) has appointed Donna Whitehead as Pro Vice-Chancellor and executive dean of the Faculty of Business and Law (FBL).
Donna, pictured, joins from the University of South Wales, where she is deputy dean of the Faculty of Business and Society.
She brings a wealth of experience to UWE from her current and previous roles. Much of Donna’s current role is externally facing, including representing the university and Welsh government in the financial and professional services sector in Wales and beyond, as well as collaborating with Welsh government and employers to drive new business in Wales and for the University. 
She was responsible for developing the innovative MSc Financial Services Management degree in collaboration with four key employers in Wales.
Donna is passionate about creating an excellent student experience and has led initiatives in this area including the use of lecture capture software, the launch of a Legal and Financial Advice Clinic and has worked collaboratively with colleagues to improve NSS results. Donna has an interest in quality assurance and enhancement and has acted as chair of Faculty quality assurance committees at her current and former institution and has led her Faculty in their recent QAA review.
Donna said: “FBL has some excellent practice already taking place and I’m looking forward to helping to build that further. The new build for the Faculty will be wonderful and should really enhance the student learning experience.”
UWE deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Jane Harrington added: “UWE, Bristol prides itself on an excellent student experience delivered through practice led curriculum which enables students to experience work both within the university and through placements and internships during their study with us.”
Donna has a first degree in law from the University of Sunderland and an MPhil from the University of Newcastle. She also holds the Legal Practice Course and the New York Bar examinations as qualifications. Donna is a senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
