- Gourdarz Poursharif is a professor in sustainable engineering, a chartered engineer, a principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and an Office for Students (OfS) external quality assessor
- He will drive strategic transformation of Aston University’s professional education and training programmes
- Focus will be on meeting the needs of employers, businesses and local communities.
Aston University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Goudarz Poursharif as the founding Director of Aston Professional.
This pivotal new role in the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio will drive strategic transformation and growth of Aston University’s degree apprenticeships, executive education, continuing professional development and micro-credentials provision.
The Director of Aston Professional will be instrumental in identifying new markets, sales opportunities, tailored client care, professional delivery teams, quality assurance and learner support and satisfaction.
Gourdarz Poursharif is a professor in sustainable engineering, a chartered engineer, a principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an Office for Students (OfS) external quality assessor.
Most recently he held the role of Acting Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at Aston University, establishing and managing Aston University’s quality assurance and enhancement team and leading the University through its most recent Ofsted and OfS inspection visits as the University Quality Nominee.
From 2022 to 2024, Gourdarz was Associate Dean and Deputy Dean for Education in the University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. From 2023-24, he has successfully spearheaded the College’s curriculum transformation project by leading the comprehensive portfolio review, re-design and revalidation of all of its undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses in line with Aston 2030 Strategy.
Prior to this appointment, he held the role of Director of Professional Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Programmes from 2019 to 2022, during which time he led the design, development, accreditation and growth of five work-based learning programmes, including three engineering degree apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with major companies such as BMW UK, Alstom, National Grid Gas, 3M, Fuchs PLC, Babcock and Collins Aerospace.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“I am delighted to announce that Professor Goudarz Poursharif has been appointed as the new Director of Aston Professional.
“This is an exciting period of strategic transformation at Aston University. In line with our 2030 Strategy and the move to an omnichannel approach, this role is key to redesigning the development, planning and delivery of our professional education and training programmes around the needs of employers, businesses and local communities.
“Goudarz brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record in this area and I would like to congratulate him on his appointment.”
Speaking of his appointment, Professor Gourdarz Poursharif said:
“I am absolutely honoured to be appointed as the Director of Aston Professional and I am so excited about being part of this amazing journey of putting Aston Professional on the forefront of transformative skills-based, industry-informed, professional and executive education for all of our stakeholders in line with our Aston 2030 Strategy.
Professor Poursharif took up his new role with effect from 1 July 2024.
- Notes to Editors
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Nicola Jones, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7825 342091 or email: firstname.lastname@example.org
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