York St John University welcome new Dean of Arts

Dr Fiona Thompson has been appointed as the new Dean of the Faculty of Arts at York St John University.

Fiona joined the University as Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Arts in 2011, after a career spanning across television production, a PhD in Theology and lecturing at Leeds Trinity University where she became Dean of the Faculty of Media, Business and Marketing in 2005.

During her time at York St John, Fiona has seen the Faculty’s students go from strength to strength. Highlights include Create, the University’s annual showcase which gives York St John a unique opportunity to exhibit the work of its students to the wider public. This was a great success in 2012 when it was taken out into venues across the city. Three Sides Theatre, a theatre company formed at York St John, was chosen to be an official street performer for the Cultural Olympiad during London 2012. The faculty has also seen significant improvements in its satisfaction scores from students responding to the National Student Survey, which gives final undergraduate students the opportunity to give feedback on their academic experience.

Commenting on her new role, Fiona said: “This is an exciting and inspirational Faculty bursting with creativity and energy and I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues to take the Faculty and the University forward.”

Professor David Fleming, Vice Chancellor of York St John University, added: “I am delighted to welcome Dr Fiona Thompson to the role, she brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to her new role and to the colleagues she will be working alongside.”

Fiona is the Vice Chair of the Royal Television Society (Yorkshire) Committee and a member of the executive group of the institute of Communication Ethics.