Professor Judy Williams to take up new post in Northern Ireland

05 Jul 2023

Associate Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students will join Queen’s University Belfast

Professor Judy Williams will take up a new role as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at Queen’s University Belfast from 1 September, after 24 years at our university.   

During her time as Associate Vice-President, Judy has played a central role in the development of the institute of Teaching and Learning, which is dedicated to supporting teaching quality and embedding innovative teaching methods. Sharing and developing best practice and creating cross-University networks was crucial during the pandemic, when Judy played a significant role in moving teaching and assessment online and supporting teaching staff to adapt to new ways of working. She has put students at the heart of all her work and her approach of co-creation and partnership is now embedded across our enhancement portfolio.  

As Director of the institute of Teaching and Learning Judy has supported thousands of colleagues and students, from undergraduates to sector leaders, to develop and be recognised for their teaching excellence through a range of programmes and awards.   

In her time at Manchester, Judy’s own teaching excellence has been recognised and rewarded through a Distinguished Achievement Medal for Teacher of the Year and a Teaching Excellence award, and external recognition as a Principal Fellow of Advance HE and National Teaching Fellow. Judy’s energy, expertise and enthusiasm has helped to drive forward teaching excellence across the university, and many colleagues have benefited from her mentoring and support.   

Professor April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching and Learning, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Judy and we will all miss her! However, this is a wonderful new opportunity for Judy and I wish her every success and happiness in her new role.”   

Judy added: “I have loved working at The University of Manchester which has been a second home for over two decades and it has been an honour and a privilege to work with so many exceptional colleagues and students. Manchester has huge ambition to excel in teaching and I am so proud to have been a part of that journey. The memories and experiences that I have been lucky to have really shaped who I am, and The University of Manchester will always hold a special place in my heart.”  

The appointment process for a new Associate Vice-President and a linked academic lead role for teaching excellence will begin shortly.