Chris Powis appointed as Director of Library and Learning Services

The University is delighted to announce that Chris Powis has been appointed to the role of Director of Library and Learning Services.

Chris joined the University just over 29 years ago, as a Faculty Librarian for Business. Since then, he has been part of the evolution of Library and Learning Services (LLS), developing our learning resource collections, e-learning infrastructure, and the detailed design of the Learning Hub, in collaboration with architects.

Head of Library and Learning Services since 2011, Chris has now been appointed to the role of Director of Library and Learning Services.  The change in title signals the integration of the Institute for Learning and Teaching (ILT) into Chris’s portfolio, alongside the existing Library and Learning Service areas of Library, Research Support. LearnTech, and Learning Development.

Chris’s contribution to the design of the Learning Hub has put students are the heart of its architecture and functions, recognising that when study, social life, lunch, conversations, and quiet work all exist side by side it creates a supportive and welcoming environment.  Similarly, by integrating more cohesively the different functions of academic development, learning and teaching development, and LLS, we look forwards to seeing synergies that improve how we support students and staff to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Speaking about his appointment, Chris said: “I am really looking forward to meeting colleagues to talk about how the new role can help them.  LLS always worked closely with ILT and I’m keen to build on their work to better address priorities, such as reducing the gap in academic outcomes between Black and Minority Ethnic and White students, improving students’ retention and completion, and their journeys into graduate employment or study.  LLS is a great example of how diverse professionals can work together and I trust that we’ll be even stronger with the addition of the new teams.”

Shân Wareing, DVC, said of Chris’s appointment: “Chris has outstanding leadership and communication skills, a profound commitment to supporting students, and developing the careers of colleagues.   His ability to integrate digital and social learning, evident from the moment you enter the Learning Hub, is exactly what we need for the next phase of Active Blended Learning.  I really admire Chris’s commitment to diversity too, and he strives to turn that into action, and am looking forwards to working with him in his new role.”