UCA announces
two leadership appointments

Higher Education and creative industries experts Professor Melanie Gray and Professor Anastasios Maragiannis are to join University for the Creative Arts (UCA), as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Creative Education respectively.

06 Nov 2024

Prof. Gray, who is currently the Executive Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Creative Computing at the University of Roehampton, comes to UCA with substantial experience as a practitioner, educator and researcher, and is a champion for women in the creative industries.

She is passionate about providing innovative learning environments for students and preparing them for their creative careers. She has contributed to the creative sectors more broadly through her work on the Board of the European Institute for Commercial Communications Education as Vice-Chair on the Research Committee, and through her involvement at The Council for Higher Education in Art & Design (CHEAD). She has also published works on gender-based discrimination in the creative industries and is the co-founder of the Women and Leadership in the Creative Industries academic conference and network.

Professor Gray’s PhD explored ‘Brand Management practices in UK media organisations’, and her research practice is focused primarily on media brands and brand management. Prior to her role at the University of Roehampton, she spent several years at the University of Bournemouth, most recently as the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Media and Communications. Before moving into HE, Prof. Gray was Head of Brand at Vodafone and ran her own successful communications consultancy.  

Prof. Maragiannis, who is currently Associate Head of College for Design, Creative and Digital Industries and Professor of Inclusive Design at the University of Westminster, has extensive experience in art and design HE, as an international researcher, and fostering inclusive learning environments. His research has been showcased worldwide, including at the V&A Museum (London), the London Design Festival (UK), Exhibition Centre (Hanoi), and the Serafio Cultural Centre (Athens). His research is focused on Increasing Inclusion through Participatory Design Ethics: Empowering Marginalised Groups and Neurodiverse Vulnerable Citizens, a holistic approach to design-practice-research essentially enables inclusivity, irrespectively of disability, gender, ethnicity, vulnerability, language, or age. Before his tenure at Westminster, Prof. Maragiannis was Head of School of Design at the University of Greenwich.

In 2020, Prof. Maragiannis was one of five facilitators leading the international research project, ‘Design in Space for Life on Earth’, organised by the World Design Organisation and the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory. He led a diverse team of engineers, scientists, designers, and business innovators to explore co-design solutions that can improve our planet and foster inclusivity in our lives on Earth. 

UCA’s President & Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane Roscoe, said of the two appointments: “I am thrilled Prof. Gray and Prof. Maragiannis will join us as we embark on the strategic transformation of UCA.

“Prof. Gray brings much experience, a fresh perspective, and strong leadership to help drive forward our strategic priorities, while Prof. Maragiannis’ proven commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and design inclusivity, will enthuse our vibrant academic community and support my goals in achieving excellence in teaching, learning, research and employability at UCA.

“I look forward to working with them both, as we continue to develop and foster our creative culture.”

Prof. Gray said she was looking forward to being part of a University-wide effort to implement the new strategic priorities: “I am delighted to be bringing my experience and skills to UCA during this incredible time of transformation and renewal. UCA is unique with a special community of students and staff who are all together to forge the fires of creativity and become tomorrow’s change makers. To be able to be a part of their learning and teaching journey is a privilege.”

Prof. Maragiannis added: “This is the first university I have worked for that specialises solely in creative industries, something that resonates with me as a fellow creative and designer. I am eager and excited to get to know staff and students and explore how I can support the University’s vision over the coming months and beyond.

“UCA is already a vibrant and innovative community, so I look forward to dedicating myself to making sure the University excels at reaching new heights – making it the best creative environment for staff and students.”