The University of West London (UWL) has appointed Dr Richard Courtney as Dean of its Claude Littner Business School. Richard brings more than 20 years’ experience in UK higher education, spanning academic leadership, teaching and research. He joins UWL from the University of East London, where he was Head of Business, Entrepreneurship and Finance, leading a broad portfolio of business disciplines.
Dr Courtney’s approach to education is shaped by a commitment to widening participation and creating social and economic opportunity. As Dean, he is particularly interested in strengthening the connections between teaching, research and business, helping academic expertise inform professional practice.
Following his BSc in Sociology and MSc in Social Research, Dr Courtnery undertook doctoral research into social class, ethnicity, and has contributed to funded research exploring cultural identity, Englishness and heritage. He has also written about accent prejudice and the importance of creating university environments where people from all backgrounds feel they belong.
His teaching has covered leadership, entrepreneurship, strategy and organisational behaviour at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels, both in the UK and internationally. He also brings experience in curriculum development, apprenticeships and international education partnerships. Dr Courtney is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE, a Chartered Manager and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.
Dr Courtney said:
“I am delighted to join the University of West London as Dean of the Claude Littner Business School. Higher education can open doors, build confidence and create opportunities, and I am committed to helping students from all backgrounds fulfil their potential.
“I look forward to working with colleagues, students and business partners to build on the School’s strengths, connect our teaching and research with the challenges organisations face, and prepare our graduates for successful careers.”
