Executive Board makes two new appointments
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Published
20 July 2023
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The University of East London is taking a significant stride towards enriching the student experience and improving student outcomes, with two new members appointed to the University Executive Board.
Professor Bugewa Apampa will serve as the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Education and Experience, while Sophie Bowen joins as the new Chief Student Officer.
Professor Apampa first joined UEL in July 2021, when she was appointed to the post of dean of the Office for Institutional Equity. As dean, she spearheaded efforts to foster an inclusive, equitable and anti-racist environment for all members of the university community.
In her new role Professor Apampa will work towards implementing a student-ready philosophy that fosters a nurturing, empathetic, and collaborative learning environment. Her primary goal will be to empower students to actively engage in their studies and achieve success in their academic pursuits.
Speaking about her new appointment, she stressed her commitment to building upon the successes achieved so far through the university’s 10-year strategic plan, Vision 2028.
Vision 2028 has resulted in a significant improvement in our student outcomes, with a more than 10% reduction in the Degree Awarding Gap since 2018, and an award-winning Careers First focus operationalised”.
She noted that more could be done to improve student outcomes, saying she was ready to help build a more inclusive culture.
She said, “I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities this position offers and to continuing to work alongside colleagues to make a positive difference to the lives of our students through a culture that values and respects diversity, promotes belonging and facilitates the pursuit of meaningful learning.”
Joining Professor Apampa in this drive is Sophie Bowen, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from previous roles at the University of Birmingham, St George's, University of London and, most recently, Middlesex University.
Ms Bowen spent six years at Middlesex, where she held various leadership positions, including chief operating officer, chief officer for students and university registrar. Throughout her career, she has been deeply committed to student welfare, overseeing the journey from recruitment to graduation and beyond. In collaboration with her Middlesex colleagues, Ms Bowen led transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing the student experience, with a focus on retention, employability, well-being, and student administration.
She said she was excited to be coming to UEL, praising its student-centred focus.
“I am delighted to be joining at such an exciting time for the institution. UEL is renowned as an innovative, pioneering and student-focused university, and I look forward to working will all my new colleagues on delivering for our future graduates.”