Hello, I’m Stephanie West, Head of the School of Leadership and Service Industry Management at Arden University. I joined Arden in November 2020, bringing a wealth of industry experience, including my early career as an optician, training director, and work in primary care workforce development. In addition to my industry background, I’ve held senior academic and leadership roles at universities across the UK. I am a Principal Fellow of Advance HE and a Chartered Manager with the Chartered Management Institute. At Arden, I provide oversight and direction across the School of Leadership and Service Industry Management, ensuring we deliver high-quality academic provision, outstanding student satisfaction, and an exceptional educational experience across all our programmes. I look forward to supporting you throughout your academic journey.
Dr Rizwana Arshad is an accomplished leader with a multidisciplinary background, holding qualifications in Health, Medical Law, Digital Pedagogies and a CMI recognition in management and leadership. She currently serves as the Head of Department for Health and Care Undergraduate Programmes at Arden University where she leads initiatives to improve student engagement, outcomes and career readiness.
Rizwana has a proven track record of developing innovative teaching resources, enhancing student experience through flipped classroom techniques and tailored support plans. Under her leadership, modules have seen improved submission rates, increased student satisfaction and better career opportunities for graduates. A passionate advocate for widening participation in higher education, Rizwana co – founded support clubs to help underprivileged students access higher education.
Rizwana's previous research was presented at the West Midlands dental deanery and focussed around improving student information retention and recall through use of digital pedagogy and student led learning. Beyond her academic contributions, she has published on key topics such as managing medical emergencies. Fluent in multiple languages and active in her local community, Rizwana’s work reflects her commitment to fostering collaboration, improving education access, and making a positive impact on the lives of students and professionals alike.
Melissa McLaughlin is an experienced leader, focusing on empowerment through education and supporting leadership opportunities. She has a multidisciplinary background with qualifications in health, mental health, environmental science, educational leadership and occupational psychology. Melissa is the Head of Department for Postgraduate Studies in Health and Care Management at Arden University. Melissa currently leads our postgraduate department, this includes our Master of Public Health, MSc in Global Health Management and Postgraduate Apprenticeships.
Melissa’s current research focuses are centred on employee wellbeing and improving organisational outcomes through leadership. Melissa is a strong advocate that education should be accessible for all and has undertaken various projects in higher education to improve access, student experience and support for anyone returning to education. Melissa has focused on improving engagement in subjects focusing on health, leadership and STEM. Melissa now volunteers as a mentor for emerging health professionals.
Dr Aaron Taylor has been involved in teaching and training for over 20 years, both in the UK and internationally. During this time, he has built up expertise in teaching and learning specifically across postgraduate HRM programmes. Before becoming Head of Department of HRM at Arden University, Aaron was a Principal Lecturer at the University of Sunderland and a Principal Lecturer in HRM at Coventry University London. Aaron is an External Examiner for HRM programmes at the University of Suffolk and the University of Sussex. He is a CIPD academic member, a Senior Fellow of the HEA and a certified management and business educator (CMBE).
Louise Farmer is the Head of Department for International Hospitality and Tourism Management. She started her career in HE teaching Tourism and Hospitality Management after several years of working in the industry. She has over 5 years of experience leading Foundation Year programmes supporting students' transition into HE studies. She is passionate about providing pastoral and scaffolded support to help all students reach their academic goals.
Prior to Louise's current role, she was a Principal Lecturer within Arden's Centre for Academic Persistence. She provided academic leadership to the CertHE programmes and Foundation Year Distance Learning. She also supported the development and delivery of new University-wide persistence initiatives.
Louise holds HEA fellowship with Advance HE, CMI Chartered Manager status, CMI L7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership as well as her BA and MA in Tourism Management. She is also an External Examiner for Foundation Year programmes at two other institutions within the UK.