Two leading experts recognised in the Queens’ birthday honours have been appointed as professors of practice at the University of Cumbria.
Professor David Gibson OBE an international enterprise educator and Professor Sir Cary Cooper CBE, an American-born British psychologist take up new roles encouraging and embedding enterprise within the university.
The professor of practice role at the University of Cumbria recognises individuals eminent in their field of practice and seeks to draw on this talent and standing to enhance the curriculum, experience and environment provided to students.
David Gibson OBE is an entrepreneur with strong experience of practical entrepreneurship and higher education.
Using his term ‘entrepreneurial ecosystem’, David links academic and business interests to achieve international and regional impact. With over twenty years of teaching and training experience he won a ‘National Teaching Fellowship’ in 2007 and was awarded the Higher Education Authority’s ‘Most Innovative Educator in the UK’ in 2011.
David will work within the university’s newly formed Institute for Business Industry and Skills to embed entrepreneurship and innovation throughout the university, linking staff and students to regional projects and companies and develop international entrepreneurship education partnerships.
David said: “I am very excited to have the unique opportunity to develop innovation and entrepreneurial projects for the Cumbria region. I believe I can help the university to enhance the enterprise culture and develop entrepreneurial skills throughout the region.”
Professor Cary Cooper is a 50th Anniversary Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health at the Manchester Business School, University of Manchester.
Cooper was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2001 birthday honours for his contribution to occupational/organisational health and was knighted in the 2014 birthday honours for services to social science.
Cary has a huge wealth of experience, particularly his work on managing organisational stress.
In an honorary role, Professor Sir Cary Cooper CBE will provide advice and support to the university and stimulate entrepreneurial practises in the region.
Professor, Cary Cooper said: “I look forward helping the university forge the close links with business community and sharing my expertise in this area.”
Jackie Arnold, Pro Vice Chancellor (Region & Employer Engagement) said: “It’s great news that Professor David Gibson OBE, with an international reputation in entrepreneurship education, has joined our team and that this coincides with Professor Sir Cary Cooper CBE providing his considerable expertise to support our endeavours.”
The pair join a growing number of professors of practice at the university who are sharing their expertise with staff, students and alumni.
Ian Stephens, a former managing director of Cumbria Tourism, is supporting the development of the university’s visitor economy portfolio and Dr Andrew Turnell is working with the university‘s respected social work staff.
Marc Seale, chief executive of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and Toby Rowland, one of the army’s most senior healthcare leaders, were announced as professors in practice last year. Graeme Danby, Valerie Reid and Keith Partridge are working within the university’s Institute of the Arts bringing expertise of the cultural world to Carlisle.
