Ms Joanne Purves
Professional Services
Current positions
PVC Academic Development
Biography
Jo joined the University of Salford in April 2017 as Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Regional Partnerships, looking after the international profile of the University and its expansion of UK partnerships with FE colleges and employers, particularly in the delivery of apprenticeships. She is also the Executive lead on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. In August 2020 Jo became Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Development which added line management of the Deans of the four Schools to her portfolio. Jo works closely with them and colleagues on the executive team on the development of the University’s strategic areas of focus in robotics and automation, digital, and smart and sustainable living, ensuring these are embedded across curriculum development, employability skills, research and enterprise activities. She has led the successful regional bid for the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology with Further Education and employer partners. Within the University Jo is Chair of the Academic Development, Numbers and Planning Committee, the Higher Technical Skills and Apprenticeships Board and the International Operations Group and attends both Senate and Council.
Jo is passionate about developing educational and economic opportunities for under-represented communities in Salford and Greater Manchester, particularly through developing alternative routes through higher education and opportunities for re-skilling and up-skilling in new and sustainable technologies.
Prior to arriving at Salford, Jo was Vice-President Global Engagement at the University of Sheffield, having held international roles at Northumbria and Durham universities previously, but her professional career started in television, working in the newsroom of the Middle East Broadcasting Company (MBC). Jo holds a BA (Hons) in Modern Arabic Studies from Durham University and MA International Studies from Newcastle University. Jo is on the Board of the Manchester India Partnership, a Greater Manchester Combined Authority initiative to promote trade and investment links between India and Manchester and has been Chair of the Universities UK Middle East and North Africa Steering Group and Chair of Trustees of the Northern Consortium, an education charity.
Qualifications
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International Studies
1996 - 1998 -
Modern Arabic Studies
1987 - 2001