Keele University has recently appointed Dr Anne Loweth as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Students.

Dr Loweth started her role in September 2017, taking on the strategic leadership of all aspects of student-related activities to promote and enhance the student experience at Keele, encompassing campus life, academic induction, transition and attainment as well as student support and wellbeing.

Following a number of years working in the pharmaceutical industry, in product research and development, Dr Loweth first came to Keele in 1989 as a mature Biochemistry undergraduate student. She began her academic career in the early 1990s in the field of diabetes research, pursuing her PhD and subsequent postdoctoral work in the School of Life Sciences here at Keele University.

In 2003, following five years as a lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, Dr Loweth returned to Keele’s School of Life Sciences and was promoted to senior lecturer in 2006. Taking on leadership of the undergraduate programme in Biomedical Science, she designed and implemented a new professionally-accredited, vocationally-oriented programme, Applied Biomedical Science, which introduced clinical placements into the course, providing an opportunity for graduates to become registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.

In 2008 Dr Loweth was appointed Head of School of Life Sciences, during which time she led the school to its first Equality Challenge Unit Athena SWAN silver award, which she continues to champion. Whilst interim Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences in 2014/15, she co-chaired the University’s Athena SWAN committee and her commitment to equality and diversity continues to be central to her role as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Students.

Dr Loweth commented:

“When I first came to Keele as a student almost 30 years ago I enjoyed the University so much that I stayed on to complete my PhD here, and I’m fortunate to have gone on to spend a large proportion of my career working in such a diverse, friendly and unique environment.

“I am really proud of Keele’s previous achievements in reaching high levels of student satisfaction and engagement, and I’m looking forward to working with our dedicated staff who go above and beyond to provide the best education and experience for our students. I am passionate about continuing and building on Keele’s supportive community, and helping our students develop to leave as highly skilled, employable graduates.”