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Exceptional Leadership
& Faculty Team Members
Dr. Andrew T Graham
Honorary Academic Director
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Former Executive Dean of a British university, with a distinguished career in senior leadership roles across higher education in England. At the University of Bolton, Dr. Graham led the Research and Graduate School, the department that oversees all doctoral students and processes, as well as on-campus and off-campus divisions. He served as Dean of Faculty and Director of Learning, Retention & Professional Practice, driving initiatives to improve student success and academic quality. He holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from the prestigious University of Manchester, and brings extensive expertise in managing academic teams, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships. Passionate about advancing higher education through strategic leadership and innovation.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Former Executive Dean of a British university, with a distinguished career in senior leadership roles across higher education in England. At the University of Bolton, Dr. Graham led the Research and Graduate School, the department that oversees all doctoral students and processes, as well as on-campus and off-campus divisions. He served as Dean of Faculty and Director of Learning, Retention & Professional Practice, driving initiatives to improve student success and academic quality. He holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from the prestigious University of Manchester, and brings extensive expertise in managing academic teams, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships. Passionate about advancing higher education through strategic leadership and innovation.
Lawrence Brannon
Programme Development Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Associate Head of School and Principal Lecturer in Film and Media at the University of Sunderland, Lawrence is a highly accomplished leader in higher education, recognised for shaping academic programmes across UK universities. With a strong background in educational leadership, he has driven innovation, curriculum development, and academic excellence. Previously, as Head of the Media and Digital Technologies department at UA92, the university founded by Manchester United’s Class of 92, he played a key role in establishing it as a forward-thinking institution, preparing students for the evolving media and digital industries. Lawrence is also a PhD candidate in Media Studies.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Associate Head of School and Principal Lecturer in Film and Media at the University of Sunderland, Lawrence is a highly accomplished leader in higher education, recognised for shaping academic programmes across UK universities. With a strong background in educational leadership, he has driven innovation, curriculum development, and academic excellence. Previously, as Head of the Media and Digital Technologies department at UA92, the university founded by Manchester United’s Class of 92, he played a key role in establishing it as a forward-thinking institution, preparing students for the evolving media and digital industries. Lawrence is also a PhD candidate in Media Studies.
Dr. Elena Hoffer
Careers & Industry Partnerships Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Holding a doctorate in Medical Sciences, Dr. Hoffer is co-founder of Alma.me, a US-based organisation dedicated to supporting graduates in their transition from academia to industry. As an expert in career development and prepardness, Dr. Hoffer has provided guidance and mentorship to thousands of students and early-career professionals across the globe, helping them navigate the complexities of entering the workforce and securing opportunities in and beyond their respective fields.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Holding a doctorate in Medical Sciences, Dr. Hoffer is co-founder of Alma.me, a US-based organisation dedicated to supporting graduates in their transition from academia to industry. As an expert in career development and prepardness, Dr. Hoffer has provided guidance and mentorship to thousands of students and early-career professionals across the globe, helping them navigate the complexities of entering the workforce and securing opportunities in and beyond their respective fields.
Dr. Gulzhan Rysbekova
Governance & Compliance Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
PhD in Business & Management, Dr. Rysbekova is a respected Lecturer at London Metropolitan University. Her career blends high-level industry roles in Big Four firms with academia, establishing her as an authority on systems, processes, governance, and compliance.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
PhD in Business & Management, Dr. Rysbekova is a respected Lecturer at London Metropolitan University. Her career blends high-level industry roles in Big Four firms with academia, establishing her as an authority on systems, processes, governance, and compliance.
Dr. Mohammad Al-Zu’bi
Systems & Processes Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Engineering academic and researcher specialising in nanotechnology. Experienced in leading educational programmes in the UK and Middle East, and teaching Civil Engineering modules and labs in Higher Education and Adult Learning.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Engineering academic and researcher specialising in nanotechnology. Experienced in leading educational programmes in the UK and Middle East, and teaching Civil Engineering modules and labs in Higher Education and Adult Learning.
Saad Saihi
Gamification Pedagogy Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (AI & Games Development) at Edge Hill University, and previously a Lecturer at Bath Spa University, the University of Salford, and Liverpool City College. Creator of the Guardian of the Realm research project, a key reference in AI and gaming. He also serves as an External Examiner at London Metropolitan University.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Lecturer in Computer Science (AI & Games Development) at Edge Hill University, and previously a Lecturer at Bath Spa University, the University of Salford, and Liverpool City College. Creator of the Guardian of the Realm research project, a key reference in AI and gaming. He also serves as an External Examiner at London Metropolitan University.
Joanne Mullan
Mental Health & Pastoral Services Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Psychology Programme Lead at the University of Glasgow, dedicated to lifelong learning and mental health. Doctoral researcher on the role of leadership in supporting learners’ psychological needs. An accredited and experienced mental health educator.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Psychology Programme Lead at the University of Glasgow, dedicated to lifelong learning and mental health. Doctoral researcher on the role of leadership in supporting learners’ psychological needs. An accredited and experienced mental health educator.
Baland Al-Haidari
International ESL Director
Centre for English Language Learning
Senior Leadership Team
BA(Hons), Dip, CELTA, DELTA
Cambridge-qualified English language teacher, teacher-trainer, and academic manager with a UK Cambridge Delta and Celta. Founder of “English, differently!” and expert in academic English, curriculum design, and edtech innovation. Versatile, with significant cross-cultural experience in Asia and the Middle East, and driven by a passion for AI-enhanced education.
Centre for English Language Learning
Senior Leadership Team
BA(Hons), Dip, CELTA, DELTA
Cambridge-qualified English language teacher, teacher-trainer, and academic manager with a UK Cambridge Delta and Celta. Founder of “English, differently!” and expert in academic English, curriculum design, and edtech innovation. Versatile, with significant cross-cultural experience in Asia and the Middle East, and driven by a passion for AI-enhanced education.
Joshua Butler
Technology Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
A visionary software developer-turned-entrepreneur, founder of J.Dot Development, a leading global tech company delivering innovative solutions across multiple industries. A specialist in web-based systems and a proud graduate of Lancaster University.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
A visionary software developer-turned-entrepreneur, founder of J.Dot Development, a leading global tech company delivering innovative solutions across multiple industries. A specialist in web-based systems and a proud graduate of Lancaster University.
Aklima Haris
Complementary Education Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Over 20 years of international teaching and leadership experience. A former headteacher and Ofsted inspector, have driven improvements in educational standards across diverse settings. Founder and CEO of the GEMS Nursery brand (UK). Holding an MA in Educational Leadership, and the NPQEY, and currently undertaking doctoral research focused on pedagogy.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Over 20 years of international teaching and leadership experience. A former headteacher and Ofsted inspector, have driven improvements in educational standards across diverse settings. Founder and CEO of the GEMS Nursery brand (UK). Holding an MA in Educational Leadership, and the NPQEY, and currently undertaking doctoral research focused on pedagogy.
Jou Yin Teoh
Internationalisation Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Lecturer and Senior Tutor, London School of Occupational Therapy at Brunel University of London. Former Head of Programme in Malaysia; driven by social justice, mobility and employability with special interests in race equity, neurodiversity, digital accessibility and support for international students.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Senior Lecturer and Senior Tutor, London School of Occupational Therapy at Brunel University of London. Former Head of Programme in Malaysia; driven by social justice, mobility and employability with special interests in race equity, neurodiversity, digital accessibility and support for international students.
Ash Chowdhury
Data Leader
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Experienced Data Scientist with a background in Computer Systems Engineering and a seasoned educator as a former Senior Lecturer in Computer Science. Skilled in data analytics, ML and visualisation. Dedicated to turning data into actionable solutions that support business goals and decision-making.
Non-Exec. Board Member
Senior Leadership Team
Experienced Data Scientist with a background in Computer Systems Engineering and a seasoned educator as a former Senior Lecturer in Computer Science. Skilled in data analytics, ML and visualisation. Dedicated to turning data into actionable solutions that support business goals and decision-making.
Abbas Sadiq
Director of Learning & Technology
Centre for English Language Learning
& Centre for STEM Education
Senior Leadership Team
MSc, MA, BSc(Hons), DipEd, QTLS, MSET, CELTA
Ed.D. Doctoral Researcher in Educational Technology
Over 25 years of experience in education, specialising in leadership, edtech, quality assurance, and compliance across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Cambridge-qualified with expertise in TEFL and a track record of senior roles internationally.
Centre for English Language Learning
& Centre for STEM Education
Senior Leadership Team
MSc, MA, BSc(Hons), DipEd, QTLS, MSET, CELTA
Ed.D. Doctoral Researcher in Educational Technology
Over 25 years of experience in education, specialising in leadership, edtech, quality assurance, and compliance across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Cambridge-qualified with expertise in TEFL and a track record of senior roles internationally.
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