THE University of Winchester has appointed a new dean of the faculty of education and the arts.

Dr Cathy Gower, currently dean of the school of education at the University of Brighton, will take up the post on January 1 next year.

Prior to joining Brighton in 2021, she spent 25 years at Brunel University London, where she was an undergraduate and postgraduate programme leader for Physical Education (PE) teaching courses before taking on wider leadership roles, including director of initial teacher education, eventually becoming head of the department of education.

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She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining Winchester to lead such a vibrant faculty, which combines two of my own professional and personal passions in life; education and the arts.

“These two academic disciplines are integral to so many aspects of our individual and collective development as human beings and to the socio-cultural and economic enrichment of society. They can truly offer transformational educational experiences for students, which I know is at the heart of the exciting new University Strategic Plan.

“I recognise the importance of the faculty in terms of engagement with our local, regional, national and international community and I look forward to working with our key partners and stakeholders going forwards.

“It is also such a beautiful environment to work and learn in, with such a strong sense of community – it will be a pleasure and a privilege to be the dean.”

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Before moving into higher education, Cathy taught PE and English in two secondary schools in West London and in the early 1990s, as an early career teacher, she attended summer schools at King Alfred’s College – the forerunner of the University of Winchester.

Professor Sarah Greer, vice-chancellor of the University of Winchester, said: “Cathy brings with her a wealth of outstanding experience in educational leadership in higher education, and I am delighted to welcome her to the university.

“Winchester has an outstanding reputation for teaching and research in education and the arts, and I have no doubt that both disciplines will grow and flourish under her leadership.”