News

The Open University has appointed Professor Musa Mihsein, the Rector of the Arab Open University, as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Professor Mihsein will replace Professor Alan Tait, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Curriculum and Qualifications), on 19 November 2012.

Before joining the Arab OU, Professor Mihsein was the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Development at The University of Derby between 2006 and 2009. He has also held senior academic posts at De Montfort University and the University of Wolverhampton. His qualifications include a First Class BSc (Eng); PhD & DIC in Mechanical Engineering from Imperial College, London; plus an MBA from Newcastle University.

Professor Mihsein said: "I am both honoured and delighted to be chosen as the PVC Academic at The Open University at this challenging period facing the higher education sector in the UK. The University has a reputation for academic excellence and placing tremendous value on the student experience.  “It is also a university with a great vision and mission and I am proud to be given the opportunity to play a part in that in the coming years."

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Mihsein will have responsibility for the academic performance of the faculties; coordinating and approving faculty plans (with inputs from the other two Pro-Vice Chancellors); managing deans; and determining the academic size and shape of the University. This will include initiating and/or approving major shifts in curriculum areas, based on market and other information, and ensuring that faculties have plans for maximising opportunities for student growth and income generation.

The Open University Vice-Chancellor Martin Bean said: “I am delighted to welcome Professor Mihsein as Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) to help us build our academic performance and reputation.
“Professor Mihsein is a leader of great calibre who passionately identifies with our social mission. He has a track record in providing leadership of academic communities and will provide a global perspective on teaching and research. I am sure that he will be a great asset to The Open University in taking forward our teaching and research excellence.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Alan Tait who has played such a pivotal role in overseeing the strategy and operations of the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
“His work has been in driving our academic excellence has been immensely valued and we wish him all the best in returning to his role in the Faculty of Education and Language Studies.”