“Strong potential and high graduate employability rate” at Wrexham Glyndwr University praised by new academic leader

Wrexham Glyndwr University’s energy and close links with industry will enable it to grow at home and overseas at a dynamic time for universities, says its newest academic leader.

Professor Ray Sheriff, the North Wales institution’s new Head of School for Applied Science, Computing and Engineering, believes a bright future lies ahead for the university thanks to its strong industrial base and Campus 2025 plan to transform its estate.

He joins the Wrexham institution on November 6 from the University of Bradford, where he was most recently Head of Electrical Engineering and Professor of Electronic Engineering.

One of his major remits will be driving forward the next stage of the Teaching Excellence Framework, building on the silver award which Wrexham Glyndwr University achieved for the quality of its teaching.

Commenting on his new role, Professor Sheriff said: “Wrexham Glyndwr is a new university with strong potential and a high employability rate for graduates – which immediately tells you it’s an institution which provides degrees geared towards getting jobs for its students.

“There’s a great energy here and I’m hoping that as well as looking at new course options, we can also grow Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, which are aligned to working with industry.

“We’re focused on securing the very best outcomes for individual subjects in the TEF and I’ll also be looking at ways we can enhance our research portfolio.”

Professor Claire Taylor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, added: “Ray brings a wealth of experience across programme development, teaching, research, leadership and resource management as well as a strong international outlook particularly through collaborative activity in China. I am delighted to welcome him to the university.”