York St John University appoints two new directors

York St John University has moved further towards meeting its ambitious growth projections with the appointment of two new senior Directors.

Heading up the new Directorate of Employability, Enterprise & Business Engagement is former Science City York (SCY) Acting CEO, Fay Treloar.

Leading on the development of the University’s international learning and teaching dimension is Geoffrey Smith, who joins York St John as Director of International Development from his previous role with the International Team at the University of Derby.

Sue Reece, York St John University Pro Vice Chancellor, said: “The new Directorate and appointments will enable the University to achieve the objectives of its strategic plan around growth, enterprise and employability for students both in the UK and internationally.

"Over recent years our UCAS acceptances have grown at one of the highest rates in the higher education sector and we have consistently grown student numbers year on year, which is due to an excellent student offering, high quality of teaching and excellence of engagement. Our new directors will bring a coordinated approach to building on successes and support further growth.”

Fay Treloar has a successful track record in business innovation and engagement, knowledge transfer, external funding and managing projects that support economic growth.
She said: “The role offers a brilliant opportunity to bring together a number of important areas within the University.
“Supporting graduates to enhance their careers and develop their business ideas is paramount, as well as connecting businesses with the students, facilities and expertise available at the university. All of which is meeting both student and business needs, and central to supporting business growth in the area.”

Geoffrey Smith lived and worked overseas for 13 years with his role at the British Council where he gained an understanding of diverse cultures and developed training schemes whilst making invaluable international connections. Geoff will lead the University’s work in developing its international networks and growing its international student body.

He said: “I will be working with the University’s International team and the Executive to identify new partnership opportunities with overseas institutions and to explore new areas to talk to prospective students about our study programmes. We already have highly successful teams in our Malaysia and China offices and I very much wish to replicate their success in other parts of the world.”