New Keele Management School Director
KMS has a distinctive education and an outstanding student satisfaction position, which are great platforms for supporting the School’s aspiration to become a leading internationally ranked institution.
Professor Kurt Allman will join Keele Management School as its Director in October. Kurt is currently Associate Dean (Enterprise, Engagement and Employability) at Salford Business School, where he holds the Chair of Enterprise.
Kurt has a strong international enterprise network, and a distinguished track record in applied research. In the last ten years he has secured almost £5 million of income from research councils, European funders (ERDF & ESF), charities and notably HEFCE HEIF/ECIF. During his time at Salford, and previously at Manchester Business School, Kurt has placed teaching and learning at the heart of engagement and knowledge exchange. He has personally engaged over 500 businesses in live student projects, for which he has received recognition from HEFCE for this outstanding example of knowledge exchange, and from the Department for Business Innovation & Skills for his sustained efforts to support regional economies.
Under his leadership at Salford, the school increased the number of interactions with businesses by 220 per cent, and student engagement in enterprise events by 460 per cent. These achievements were a significant contribution to the School’s achievement of THE Business School of the Year 2014 accolade. Salford was also one of only 20 leading business schools that were awarded the ABS SME Charter for sustained engagement efforts with small businesses.
Kurt stated: ‘I am delighted to be Keele Management School’s new Director. KMS has a distinctive education and an outstanding student satisfaction position, which are great platforms for supporting the School’s aspiration to become a leading internationally ranked institution. Further distinctiveness for the School will come from increasing its responsiveness to the needs of industry and commerce, which will ensure our research is impactful and our graduates are equipped to respond to contemporary challenges within their professions and chosen careers.’
Professor David Shepherd, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, said: ‘We are delighted that Kurt will be joining us as Director of KMS. He brings a wealth of experience from both Salford and Manchester Business Schools, where he aligned the educational portfolio, academic staff and professional support services to become more responsive to the needs of its many differing stakeholders, both in the UK and overseas. His record makes him ideally equipped to lead the School in its pursuit and achievement of its vision and mission.’