Alexandra Banks will develop and lead a Graduate Success Institutional Plan to ensure students thrive while studying and after they graduate.
Date: 5 June 2023
Alexandra Banks started work today as London Metropolitan University’s first Dean of Graduate Success.
Alexandra’s arrival follows the high-profile appointments of two new Pro Vice-Chancellors (PVCs) for Student Experience, Professor Nona McDuff OBE and Professor Marcia Wilson, and serves as another sign of London Met’s commitment to enhancing the experience and outcomes of its students.
Alexandra will report to Prof Nona McDuff and lead the University's careers and work-based learning teams to oversee and develop the University’s apprenticeship provision and build on the work already underway to embed employability into the curriculum. Working with internal colleagues, students, and external stakeholders, Alexandra will drive and enhance the work we do to ensure that our students are more likely to achieve positive outcomes at London Met than at any other university in the country.
Commenting on her appointment, Alexandra said: “I am delighted to have joined the team at London Met and I look forward to contributing my skills and experience to this vibrant and inclusive university. It is clear to me that London Met is an inspirational place to work with a distinctive mission, culture and focus on equality.
"I am keen to develop exciting and ambitious plans for the university to build on its strengths and ensure that all London Met students make the most of the wonderful education and experience they receive and translate that into successful graduate employment or further study."
With more than 20 years’ experience in further and higher education as a teacher and university leader, Alexandra has delivered a number of initiatives that improved the student experience, most recently as Head of Student Success at Solent University.
"At London Met we are focussed on equipping our students with more than just the knowledge to thrive in their chosen careers,” commented Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Julie Hall. "We give our graduates the skills they need to bridge the gap between education and employment, so that they can contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of London and beyond.
"Alexandra made a huge impact at Solent University, and I know she will play an important leadership role at London Met working with some fantastic colleagues to ensure our students thrive during and after their time at the University."
"I am keen to develop exciting and ambitious plans for the University to build on its strengths and ensure that all London Met students make the most of the wonderful education and experience they receive and translate that into successful graduate employment."