Dundee appoints Vice-Principal to head global drive
Published On Tue 24 Feb 2015 by Roddy Isles
The University of Dundee has appointed its first Vice-Principal (International) to spearhead its growing activity around the globe.
The University is focused on an ambitious transformation vision through which it aspires to be Scotland’s leading University, transforming lives locally and globally through the creation, sharing and application of knowledge, and by delivering excellence in teaching and research.
Already a world leader in medical and scientific research and an emerging leader in innovative design, the University is expanding its international activities through partnerships with other institutions across the world and through welcoming international students.
To drive forward this global ambition, the University has appointed Wendy Alexander as its first Vice-Principal (International). She will take up her post in April.
Ms Alexander joins University of Dundee from London Business School where she is Associate Dean for Global Business providing strategic leadership for the School’s international programmes and operations around the world particularly in China, the Middle East and the United States.
She will join the University in April.
“Wendy will bring great energy, expertise and strategic leadership to the University,” said Professor Pete Downes, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee.
“The international outlook is more important than ever for universities, as we are operating on a global stage in everything we do, from welcoming students to Dundee from all over the world to delivering the impact of our research directly to many countries. Our approach is exemplified by our recent graduation ceremony in Kuwait where we are transforming lives by exporting Dundee’s expertise in diabetes treatment and prevention.
“Wendy has vast experience working in the international sector in higher education, Government and industry and that will prove invaluable to the University as we further develop our international profile.”
Ms Alexander said, “I am honoured to be first Vice-Principal International at Dundee. The University’s research and teaching is known worldwide for its excellence, and its expertise is increasingly in demand. The University already has links in the Middle East and its reputation is such that there are a number of countries, including China and across Africa and Asia, that want to form partnerships to take advantage of Dundee’s international stature.”
Ms Alexander has been at London Business School since 2012, initially as Associate Dean for Degree Programmes & Careers and subsequently as Associate Dean for Global Business. She has provided strategic leadership for all their taught degrees, delivering record enrolment levels and significantly developing London Business School’s global strategy, most notably in Dubai and China. She was a Visiting Professor at Strathclyde University Business School from 2002 to 2012 where she led the Allander Series on Scotland’s economic prospects. She holds honorary degrees from the University of West Scotland and the University of Strathclyde.
She was previously a Member of the Scottish Parliament for twelve years, during which time she served in the first three Scottish Cabinets, including as Minister for Enterprise, Lifelong Learning & Transport, where her responsibilities included higher education, and she served as Holyrood Labour Leader in 2007 and 2008. Prior to entering politics she worked in international strategy consultancy with Booz & Co.
She is currently on the Investment Advisory Board of SEP (Scottish Equity Partners) LLP and a Trustee of the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education.
The University of Dundee has consistently ranked among the highest scorers in the International Student Barometer, the major assessment of satisfaction among students from overseas. The 2014 survey ranked Dundee 7th in the world and 2nd in the UK for overall satisfaction, with 93% of our international students satisfied with their courses.
Roddy Isles
Head of Press
TEL: 01382 384910
MOBILE: 07800 581902
E-MAIL: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk