Lisa Mann has been announced as the new Vice-Chancellor and CEO at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB). Currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Lisa will succeed Professor Paul Gough, who retired from the post on 31 December 2024 after five years.
Lisa joined the University in December 2022 as Executive Director of Innovation before her promotion to Deputy Vice-Chancellor in 2024. In her role as Executive Director of Innovation, Lisa prioritised the development of a distinctive course portfolio across the Undergraduate and Postgraduate schools, introducing a range of new courses and a new Undergraduate school focusing on the leadership and management of the arts and creative industries.
Prior to joining AUB, Lisa has accrued a significant background in higher education in both the public and private sectors, having been Head of Higher Education at the Fashion Retail Academy, an industry-led college founded by Next, M&S, F&F and Experian.
Before that, she worked alongside the CEO of Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design as the Principal Academic Director, and was responsible for the development of a significant portfolio strategy including the introduction of a successful suite of Online Insights courses and bespoke Global Executive Education packages for Burberry.
“It is an honour for me to be appointed as Vice-Chancellor and CEO for AUB," says Lisa. "The University has worked hard to evolve, innovate, and grow during recent years to ensure its continued success as a destination that offers excellence in nurturing creatives and their talent, while they prepare themselves for successful careers in the arts.
“In the last two years, we’ve introduced a new school, the School of Arts, Media, and Creative Industries Management, and have significantly expanded our curriculum to include Undergraduate degrees in Communication Design and Strategy, Creative Direction, Digital Content Production and Strategy, Events Management, Media, Marketing and Advertising, and Fashion Management and Strategy.
“This new school launch is demonstrative of AUB’s commitment to its students and to the industry of the future, the new courses are specifically designed to give students practical, theoretical and professional skills that are important for every AUB graduate entering the world of work to begin or continue their career journey.”
Dorothy Mackenzie, Chair of the Board of Governors at AUB, comments, “We are delighted that Lisa is to become our new Vice-Chancellor. Lisa has already made a significant impact on the University in her role as Executive Director of Academic Innovation and Deputy Vice Chancellor. Her commercial acumen, action orientation, innovative approach to academic management and inclusive leadership style are qualities increasingly sought in leaders in higher education in the current challenging environment.
"We are confident that Lisa will lead AUB to continued success, innovating across the curriculum, creating new opportunities and forging new partnerships.”
