Ian Blenkharn will become the University of Bath’s Director of Education & Student Services from 1 February 2022.
He will join Bath from Exeter University, where he is currently Director of Education and Student Support.
In the newly created role, Ian will be responsible for the operation of educational and student services, including the teams delivering Recruitment and Admissions, Academic Registry, the University Library, the Centre for Learning & Teaching, the Doctoral College, the Skills Centre, Careers, and Student Services, including the Policy and the Safeguarding Unit.
The role has been created to ensure excellent and efficient delivery of services, as set out by the University’s Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and will report to Keith Zimmerman, Chief Operating Officer.
Keith Zimmerman said:
“I am delighted that we will soon welcome Ian to the University of Bath. Ian’s energy and extensive experience across all aspects of this new role will be great assets to the University as we gather key academic and student service departments together to ensure we continue to deliver an excellent service to students and staff alike.”
Ian Blenkharn said:
“I am very excited to be joining the University of Bath as Director of Education and Student Services. I have long admired Bath’s commitment to delivering an outstanding student experience and in this new role, I hope to translate the learning I’ve gained at both Bristol and Exeter to create a new Directorate that can continue and enhance the support provided to Bath’s learning community.”
After completing an undergraduate degree in History and Politics and a PGCE at the University of Warwick, Ian worked at Weston College as a schools liaison officer, before moving to the University of Bristol where he led undergraduate recruitment and widening participation teams. He has been based at the University of Exeter since 2010, and has worked in various roles heading up admissions, registry services, and education and student services.