Meet our new Director of Partnerships

Louise Blair is our new Director of Partnerships. We find out more about her work in delivering transnational education and how partnerships can change lives. 

Have you worked in HE before? Where have you come from?

I have over 10 years’ experience working in HE. I have worked in various positions covering global partnerships, international recruitment, business development and online education.  I have established teaching centres for franchise programme delivery in Europe, the Americas and South Asia. I have managed TNE (transnational education) partnerships and regional office engagement in the Middle East, West Africa, and Southeast Asia.  In my previous role I was Associate Director Global Greenwich, at the University of Greenwich where I lead on the development and implementation of the university’s Global Engagement strategy. Prior to this I have experience working for international organisations in Paris, Brussels and Atlanta.

What was it about Essex that made you want to join us?

I love the ethos of Essex to make positive progress with conviction - ‘Where change happens’ and #ImpatientEssex - spring to mind and spoke to me when I was researching the role and the University. I am also aware of the wealth of research and prestige Essex has across departments, and in the social sciences, which is my own academic background having studied both International Relations and Economic Development. 

I was also excited by the focus of the role itself - to provide strategic leadership for partnerships across departments of the university. I am a passionate advocate for the power of partnerships locally and globally. 

Why are partnerships so key?

There is a richness and depth to the opportunities a partnership can bring; they provide access to resources, diversify income streams, foster innovation, enhance educational experiences, and contribute to the overall success and impact of institutions. As a university we are not only able to have a greater impact through our partners, but we are made better by their impact on us. 
Partnerships can change the lives of staff and students. They can open doors where they might have otherwise been closed. I am an example of that. I was able to study in France and the US as a result of university partnerships and scholarships. I developed language skills – I learned French – Vive la France! I learned a Southern dialect when I studied in Atlanta, Georgia and added ‘hey y’all’ to my everyday language. I taught my new friends some English and Scottish words too!  Through partnerships I was introduced to a diversity of educational experiences, cultures, styles of learning and working through partnerships. All of which helped me take the next steps in my own global career. Perhaps even more importantly what I have been able to take from my experience studying and working across the globe are all the many people; the friends, the colleagues and the leaders that change your perception of a place forever, from a broad stereotype to rich tapestry of diversity and nuance, making you the richer too.

Why do you think Essex makes a great partner?

The University of Essex makes a great partner both locally and globally. Essex is community orientated – it is the UK’s number one university for student volunteering, and 1st in the UK for knowledge transfer partnerships (KTP). It has dedicated and internationally engaged staff and students with an outward focus for positive change beyond borders. Essex is ambitious in its mission of excellence in both education and research, offering a breadth and depth of opportunity to engage in a multifaceted partnership.

What are your priorities for your first few weeks? And your longer-term priorities?

I look forward to learning more about the programmes, the research and the global network at Essex. For me, this will be the focus for the first few months, as well as engaging strategically with key staff in partnership roles across faculties and professional services. I am keen to learn and excited to know more about the work that is being done across Essex. Then I will be focusing on the expansion of TNE and in time research opportunities through the development of new partnerships and the growth of current partnerships across the university. 

Tell us something about you as a person, a hobby or an interest. 

I love learning about other cultures. I enjoy reading and usually have a couple of books on the go. I’m on the lookout for a creative writing or drawing evening class if anyone can help. I’m generally happier with a tea or coffee in hand, so meeting over a coffee is always a welcome invitation. If you see me on campus, come and say hello too, I’d love to meet you!