Celebrating 25 years of loyal service

Neil will be well known to many in the university as somebody who is very much at the forefront of customer care within Digital Services. The laptops and desktops that we all use every day were procured - almost without exception - by Neil. This is one of the key business relationships that he has managed, working with international businesses such as Dell, Toshiba and HP. The standout testimony for his work is how he managed to find laptop stock during the early phases of the COVID lockdown.

As businesses and enterprises across the world bought sub-standard devices or paid vastly inflated prices for their equipment, Neil worked closely with our suppliers to deliver quality, quantity and value for money. It was exceptional work under considerable duress and he was one of the first back on campus to co-ordinate deliveries and onward shipments. In addition to this, he has given 25 years of personalised service to customers across the university, whether they have been IT experts or tech novices. He has given the same care and attention to all. He has been an excellent colleague to work with, an influential member of the IT team and friend to many across the university.

Neil started work at LBU as a part-time cleaner on the on 23 January 2000 in the newly built Leslie Silver Building, In June 2001, he joined Postal Services as a Mailroom Assistant before becoming Senior Mailroom assistant in April 2011. He helped introduce and was involved in the running and the training of staff for the despatch shop and the delivery of mail around Headingley Campus by bike and trailer. Finally on 1 October 2019, he changed roles to Portering and Mail General Assistant.

Michelle began her journey with us in 2000 as a night cleaner at our City Campus. In 2014, she transitioned into Food Services, taking on a front-facing role at the much-loved Cloth Hall Court coffee bar, SILKS. There, she became a familiar and friendly face to both students and staff.

Michelle later moved to her current home in the Rose Bowl, where she continues to shine in her front-of-house role. Known for her due diligence and warm presence, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure everyone feels welcome and well looked after. Her commitment, adaptability, and care over the past 25 years are truly commendable.

Congratulations, Michelle!

Spence's journey began as a student at Leeds Metropolitan University, where he first joined our IT department as a placement student. After graduating, we were fortunate to welcome him back as a full-time member of the team.

Over the years, Spence has excelled in a variety of roles, starting as a Computing Support Officer and progressing to a senior position during the 2015 departmental restructure. He then took on the role of Campus Support Manager at Headingley, where he ensured our second line support was delivered with professionalism and care.

Most recently, Spence has embraced the position of Knowledge Manager, where his passion for the English language and meticulous attention to detail have truly shone. Throughout all these roles, he has consistently delivered outstanding customer service, always putting the needs of staff and students at the heart of everything he does.

Spence is not only a talented and dedicated professional but also an exceptional people manager. His commitment, positive attitude, and unwavering standards make him a credit to both himself and the department. We are grateful for his remarkable contribution over the past 25 years and look forward to many more.

Nick has a multitude of professional skills which he is only too willing to share with colleagues whenever they need it. He is an engaging and innovative professional with a wealth of teaching experience which includes examples of 'best practices' within Leeds Business School. He has gained the respect and admiration from all he works with and the way he delivers creative and engaging assessments with executives and military personal from all over the world remains an impressive feature of his sustained character. He is also a well-grounded researcher with impressive publications win the fields of Corporate Governance which help inform his teaching.

Nick is a National Teacher Fellow (NTF) specialising in boardroom development, decision making and corporate governance. Research areas focus on action to enhance corporate boards and individual executive performance. This includes coaching executive, team and organisations. Recent publications include a range of focus areas from strategic business skills to futures, action learning and foresight recognition.

Currently, Nick leads on specific executive education courses including MSc Corporate Governance and MA Executive Leadership, as well as a range of CPD specific programmes in executive business coaching and leadership. His experience has provided the opportunity for these programmes to be supported by a variety of PSRB accreditations including:

• The Armed Forces Covenant - Defence Recognition Scheme Bronze award
• The Chartered Governance Institute of UK and Ireland
• The CIPR (Chartered Institute of Public Relations)
• The PRCA (Public Relations and Communication Association

More recently, Nick has developed a specific online version of the MSc Corporate Governance degree which has become an international focus for short course delivery around the world.

Shirley Beresford has made an outstanding contribution to Leeds Beckett University through her dedication to student experience, academic excellence, and cultural engagement. A Golden Robe winner in 2019, she has championed initiatives like the Grayling Prize and worked closely with professional bodies including CIPR, PRCA, and CIM.  

Her influence extends beyond the university, with roles in the Leeds 2023 Capital of Culture Bid, imove Cultural Olympiad, and AXIS. She has served as an external adviser to several UK universities and contributed to key publications in arts and entertainment PR.

Being awarded her PhD in 2025 and with a distinguished career in public sector marketing and cultural programming, Shirley’s legacy is one of creativity, leadership, and lasting impact.

Jamie was first employed in 2000 as a lecturer teaching on Sport and Exercise Science, Physical Activity and Health, and Leisure Studies degrees. He became course leader for the Independent Portfolio of Study course in 2002.

Jamie has been Academic Group Lead for Physical Education and is currently the Academic Director for Sport Coaching.

During his 25 years at the university, Jamie has worked in supporting quality assurance reviews on several occasions, a particularly important moment was co-creating the institutional regulatory framework for integrated foundation years.

Jamie has received the VCs award for supporting students based on his work in developing residential experiences for students. He was awarded the Horwill Prize for research in 2014. He has also been nominated on several occasions for the golden robe awards.

The core philosophy that consistently shines through for Jamie is his desire to put students at the centre of his work. He has been and continues to be a credit to the Carnegie approach to supporting students to be the best they can be.

Lyndsey began her journey at the university on 1 March 2000 as a General Assistant in hospitality. From the outset, her dedication and attention to detail set her apart. In July 2008, she progressed to the role of chef, where she quickly became a valued member of the kitchen team, contributing significantly to the hospitality service.

Her exceptional skills and leadership potential led to her successful appointment as Head Chef in 2017. In this role, Lyndsey worked closely with the executive chef to realign the university's food service provision, ensuring it met evolving standards and expectations. She played a pivotal role in the review and development of the university's Food Safety Policy, demonstrating her commitment to excellence and compliance. To support this work, she completed the RSPH Level 4 Award in Managing Food Safety and Hygiene and now serves as the university's lead food safety representative.

In October 2019, Lyndsey was appointed Food Service Manager for City Campus. Her deep operational knowledge, strategic thinking, and no-nonsense approach to problem-solving earned her the respect and trust of food service teams across the university. In 2025, she assumed responsibility for food service across all areas, further solidifying her leadership role.

Lyndsey's commitment to professional development is evident in her completion of a Level 5 Apprenticeship in Operations Management. She is widely respected across Estates and Facilities and the broader university community - not only as a colleague but as a subject matter expert whose contributions have shaped the university's hospitality and food safety standards.

Vicki joined Leeds Beckett University in 2001 as a Food Services Manager in CARES (Campus and Residential Services), progressing through a number of roles including Accommodation and Residential Services Manager and Head of Operations.

When CARES merged with Estates Services in 2020, Vicki became the Associate Director of Campus and Residential Services reporting into the Director of Estates. This role carried responsibility for all facilities management functions across the university, including Food Services, Student Accommodation, Campus Services (cleaning, portering, mail, security), Business Support, Helpdesk, Car Parking, and Contract Management. Subsequent change added reactive maintenance and Beckett Sport into the role and then Vicki became Deputy Director of Estates in March 2025.

Vicki's career has been defined by her unwavering desire to drive improvement in all areas through her people skills, communication and leadership.

Andy joined the university on 8th May 2000 as part of the Estates maintenance team, beginning his career as a Fitter Assistant responsible for maintaining the old steam boilers in the Portland Boiler House. Over the years, he progressed into the role of Maintenance Assistant, working alongside a wide range of skilled trades staff to help maintain and support the university's campuses.

Throughout his 25 years of service, Andy has been a constant source of reliability, positivity, and professionalism. His work - often behind the scenes - has been essential to the daily running of the university. Whether responding to urgent issues or carrying out routine maintenance, he has always approached his duties with a smile and a can-do attitude.

Andy is a well-liked and respected member of staff across the university. His friendly nature, strong work ethic, and willingness to help have made a lasting impression on colleagues and the wider university.

Mel started her career at the university in September 1998 on a temporary contract working in the old Civic Quarter library. She then got a permanent job as an Information Assistant in the new City Campus Library when it opened in 2000. Since then, she has held a number of different positions including Senior Information Assistant, Principal Information Assistant, and her current role, Library and Student IT Adviser.

She has been an integral member of the Lending team and a valued colleague. Always happy to help and keen to get involved in different projects across the library. She is always one of the first to volunteer at graduation, help with library tours and with the library welcome week. She has an excellent rapport with the students and will often go above and beyond to help support them and resolve any issues they may be having.

Outside of work Mel's faith and family are central in her life. She has two sons, one who lives with his family in France, who she likes to visit whenever she can, and another son and his family closer to home. She looks after her granddaughter one day a week and regularly visits and proves help, care and support for her mum.

When asked about her time working here, Mel said: "I feel very proud to be a part of this university and count it a privilege to work here."

Sanela’s story with Leeds Beckett began in September 1999, when she joined as an Erasmus student. By October 2000, while completing her Master’s in Software Development, she was already teaching part-time. After graduating in 2001, she became a full-time member of staff, and for more than two decades, she has been at the heart of Computing and Data Science at the university.

Over the years, Sanela has shaped both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, led multiple MSc courses, and now serves as Course Director for MSc Information and Technology, MSc Data Science, and MSc Advanced Computer Science. Her leadership in curriculum development — particularly in databases, data warehousing, and applied analytics — has left a lasting mark on the School of Built Environment, Engineering, and Computing.

Sanela’s commitment to teaching excellence was recognised in 2016 when she became a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. In 2023, she was awarded her Doctorate in Higher Education (Ed.D.) at Leeds Beckett, where her research focused on phenomenography and digital learning, now expanding into Generative AI in computing education. She has published widely, presented at international conferences, and contributed to book chapters, with her work shaping both the pedagogy and practice of computing education.

Her impact extends far beyond the classroom. Sanela has supervised a wide range of postgraduate research projects — in areas such as data governance, predictive analytics, cloud computing, and service-oriented architectures — and many of her students have gone on to rewarding careers in industry and academia. She has also served as an external examiner for universities across the UK, supported programme validations at home and abroad, and worked as a link tutor with international partners in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Nepal. Alongside this, she has collaborated on consultancy and knowledge transfer projects, applying her expertise in data science to real-world challenges.

Colleagues and students alike value Sanela’s energy, professionalism, and dedication. She is known not only for her subject expertise but also for her generosity in supporting others, her enthusiasm for innovation, and her passion for student success. With more than 20 years of service, Sanela’s career is a powerful example of academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to Leeds Beckett University.

It is both a privilege and a pleasure to mark 25 years of dedicated service by Zoe McClelland—a colleague whose professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our university.

Zoe’s distinguished journey began at Leeds Metropolitan University and has continued seamlessly through its transition to Leeds Beckett University. She first joined the then School of Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and has since held a succession of influential leadership roles: Senior Lecturer, Principal Lecturer, Head of Hospitality & Retailing, and currently, Head of Business Strategy, Operations and Enterprise within Leeds Business School.  Throughout these roles, Zoe has exemplified clarity of thought, compassion in leadership, and strategic acumen. She has consistently upheld the highest standards across curriculum development, staff support, and the student experience. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the School’s commitment to practice-based education—ensuring that academic theory is meaningfully connected to real-world application. Most recently, Zoe has taken on the pivotal responsibility of leading the School’s AACSB accreditation, a milestone that will usher in a new era for both the School and the wider university.

Zoe has also played a central role in advancing initiatives that respond to the evolving needs of industry, employers, and our regional community. Her ability to lead with empathy, think strategically, and foster collaboration across disciplines has been a tremendous asset—not only to Leeds Business School, but to the university as a whole.  Yet beyond her many accomplishments, it is Zoe’s calm strength, unwavering integrity, and genuine care for her colleagues that truly distinguish her.  She leads by example and brings a thoughtful, grounded presence to every endeavour.

On behalf of Leeds Business School and all those fortunate enough to have worked alongside her: thank you, Zoe. Twenty-five years is a remarkable achievement, and your contributions have made a profound and lasting impact.

Peter began his career in 2000 as a lecturer in media and played a key role in the formation of the BA (Hons) Media and Popular Culture programme. He has been lucky to develop his research around his passion for music.

A highly valued member of the team and known for his enthusiasm for teaching, his students often find an affinity with Peter's energetic approach to imparting his breadth of knowledge. Closely linked to musicians, journalists and industry experts Peter organised an impressive array of public lectures and events at the university from Tracey Thorn Everything But The Girl to music journalist Lorna Barton.

Committed to raising the bar on opportunities for student growth beyond the university buildings, Peter acts as the school's study abroad tutor. He is the author of several books including The Monkees, 'Head' and the 60s (Jawbone Press, 2016) and The Beatles in Perspective: A Carnival of Light (Equinox, 2023).

Lewis joined the Northern Film School in 2000. Lewis led the development of the Filmmaking BA and contributes to the continuing development of practice research PhD's in the Leeds School of Arts.

Lewis is Co-Director of the Professional Doctorate in Creative Arts in the wider LSA. On the BA Filmmaking Lewis leads Experimental Film and the specialist Filmmaking Dissertation. His Doctoral research was completed in 2014 with the conclusion of a Professional Doctorate in Fine Art at the University of East London. Lewis produces films, photographic work and sculptural objects that consider a broad historical relationship between class (working men), family and forms of representation, LGBQT+, resulting in work that has been exhibited both in the UK and internationally.

Lewis is interested in the ways we gather, reflect, develop and tell stories, creative narrative intersections and illusions and treasure material objects as contributors to social and subjective memory. His skills encompass, editing and compositing, camera, sound recording, tailoring and sewing, costume and making fabric objects.

Prior to joining the Northern Film School Lewis completed the influential 'Electronic Imaging' Postgraduate Programme at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee, in 1999 and a BA (hons) Mixed Media Art at The University of Westminster in 1996. Lewis is also a qualified aeronautical engineer.

As assistant Director of the Professional Doctorate in Creative Arts (DCA) and as Director of studies for Arts based PhD's both written and practice based, Lewis is supervising a range of Doctorate projects across Film, Image History and creative audio Fine Art. Lewis has been an examiner for a range of creative Doctorate projects both PhD and Arts based Professional Doctorates and continues to support and nurture this important contribution to the wider field of arts practice.

To follow.

Owen is a valued and dedicated member of the Leeds Beckett University.

Throughout his time at the university, Owen has held a range of roles focused on supporting students across diverse disciplines, always with a strong commitment to enhancing their teaching and learning experience.

Now based within the Leeds School of Arts, Owen plays a key role in developing and improving facilities and resources for students. He actively champions innovations that enrich the academic environment and directly contribute to improved learning outcomes.

A cornerstone of Owen's current work involves supporting Music and Sound associates through the delivery of live assessed performances - designed to reflect the standards and expectations of the creative industries. He has embraced the growing demand for these subject areas, responding with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Owen works closely with academic colleagues and technical teams to cultivate an environment where students are empowered to excel both creatively and academically. His collaborative approach ensures students receive not only technical support but also the encouragement they need to succeed.

Owen continues to be a driving force behind the inclusive and supportive culture at Leeds Beckett University - leaving a lasting, positive impact on the institution and the many students whose lives he has helped shape now, and beyond their studies.

Nicola began her journey at Leeds Beckett University (then Leeds Metropolitan) as a temporary summer admissions assistant. She soon secured a permanent position within the Awards and Examinations team, marking the start of her professional services career. Over the years, Nicola has held a variety of administrative and managerial roles across Student Registry, the Leslie Silver International Faculty, the Carnegie Faculty, and, most recently, the Carnegie School of Sport.

In her current role as School Manager, Nicola works with both academic and professional services colleagues to enhance the student experience and ensure effective operational support. Outside of work, she enjoys strength training, Ballroom and Latin dancing and reading.

Martyn is well known for teaching alongside students in the studio, in the print room, by the photocopier or RISO machine. It is by making work with students that he is able to convey what excites visually and creatively, demonstrating through an infectious experimentation.

Martyn's long experience as a professional designer, maintained alongside his fractional appointments within the art school, shows students that experimentation does not have to stop when you graduate and that it is OK to have good ideas which require additional technical expertise to be realised.

This approach fosters trust and long-lasting relationships with the hardest to reach students, supporting them to realise their potential and have successful careers. Always good humoured with an air of the mischievous, errant child who has drawn all over the walls (and created something wonderful).

This year marks 25 years of service, and we are proud to reflect on Razaq's journey which has been filled with collaboration, growth, and meaningful impact. It has been a privilege to work with him as he has contributed to education, research, and international partnerships alongside many inspiring colleagues.

Over the years, Razaq has worked across the UK, Europe, and Asia in teaching, curriculum development, and academic leadership. He has also had the honour of shaping academic quality as a QAA Reviewer and developing programmes in business, events, and tourism.

As founding co-editor of the Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage and Series Editor for CABI's book series, Razaq's research has spanned sustainability, cultural festivals, and strategic management. He will be the first to tell you he has thoroughly enjoyed his journey so far and is excited for what lies ahead.

Dr Jennifer Seavers has been an integral and inspirational figure in the development of our courses over many years.
 
In her roles as course leader, course director, group head, personal tutor, and academic advisor, Jenny has exemplified dedication, care, and an unwavering commitment to student and staff wellbeing. Her leadership has shaped our programmes, her guidance has supported both groups and individuals, and her impact has been deeply felt across the University, School, and wider academic community.
 
Jenny’s contributions are admired by colleagues and students alike. She has supported countless learners through their academic journeys and played a vital role in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Her innovative teaching practices have left a lasting impression and continue to inspire us all.
 
As we celebrate Jenny’s remarkable 25 years of service, we thank her for the immeasurable contributions she has made—and continues to make. A message from one group of graduating students perhaps captures it best: "Not all heroes wear capes!"
 
Congratulations, Jenny, and thank you.

Sue started her career at the university in September 2000 on a temporary contract as an IT Help Assistant, moving into the role of Information Officer the following year. In 2002, Sue took up her permanent current role as Learning Support Officer (Disability and Dyslexia) in the Library supporting students with disabilities.  Sue's passion for her job is evident to all that come into contact with her and helping students is her priority.  As well as directly supporting students, Sue works on embedding accessibility across library services and works with others in the sector to drive accessibility improvements.  She has been a member of various working groups and is an advocate for sharing best practice.

In 2017 Sue was part of a team who won a national award for devising a comprehensive audit for e-books in Higher Education to make them accessible at source.

Liz has taught across all levels of courses within the School of Arts in its different configurations and locations over the last quarter century, from undergraduate to PhD, from H block to Broadcasting Place. Throughout, her 'home' has been BA Graphic Design and its predecessor, BA Graphic Arts and Design.

Liz's approach is what makes the course unusual within the field, as her practice and approach are very much rooted in the expanded field of Graphic Design - more comfortable with collage, performance, collective action, and care than with software-based design. Always self-deprecating about her own abilities, she is able to foster trust with students who are sometimes on the fringes of the subject and allow them to find a place, purpose, and understanding of design with a social purpose. It is an approach that challenges students, colleagues, and conventions; it is unapologetically political, encouraging students to find their own position and to always question.

Liz's research is always 'in action', whether through working with the feminist research group F= , or as part of the participatory provocateurs The Art Doctors, and currently involves underwater exploration.

An alumnus of the University, Louise began her career as a fitness professional and clinical dietitian. She initially joined the then Carnegie Faculty as a part-time lecturer whilst expanding her work as a freelance sport nutrition practitioner, soon becoming a full-time Senior Lecturer, leading the university’s first Foundation Degree in Health-related Exercise and Fitness.

Louise has continued her applied practice throughout her time at LBU, working with athletes across Olympic and professional sports, and in supporting record-breaking extreme challenges. Drawing on her industry knowledge and expertise, Louise has contributed to the development of numerous academic programmes. Most notably, she led the MSc Sport and Exercise Nutrition through the UK’s Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register Accreditation pilot, securing its status as the first accredited programme nationally. Followed by the PG Certificate in Sport and Exercise Nutrition for Health Care Practitioners, offering flexible, blended learning for dietetic professionals. More recently, she worked with colleagues and industry partners to launch the Advanced Certificate in Applied Sport and Exercise Nutrition Practice—the UK’s first quality-assured mentorship and supervision programme in the field. Her commitment to raising standards in education and practice has made a lasting impact both nationally and internationally, recently being recognised by a British Dietetic Association Fellowship award.

Currently Co-Head of Subject for Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Louise’s leadership spans all sport science disciplines. Keen to share her experiences and support others she is an active member of the University's mentoring network. 

Neil joined our university in 2000 as a lecturer in media. He developed and taught on the successful BA (Hons) Media and Popular Culture programme and later on the single honours programme BA (Hons) Media, Communication, Cultures.

Neil's scholarly interests are politics and critical theory, media celebrity, BBC radio and comedy studies. He is a highly valued member of the team and known for his rigorous enthusiasm for teaching. He has made an important contribution to post-graduate culture in the School of HSS, not least for his impressive track record for taking PhD students through to completion. He has served for several years as Academic Honesty Lead.

Neil has published widely in journals and edited collections and is the author of Mediating Politics: Newspapers, Radio, Television and the Internet (2010, OUP).