UWS announced Professor Steve Olivier as its new Deputy Principal & Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Dixon Walter are delighted to have recently supported UWS with this key appointment. Professor Olivier will join UWS in May 2018, following the retirement of current postholder Professor Paul Martin CBE.

“I am delighted at the opportunity to join such an ambitious and inspiring institution as UWS. I feel a strong personal affinity with the University’s social mission, and its principles of changing lives and transforming communities.”

 Professor Steve Olivier

Professor Olivier joins UWS from Abertay University where he has been since 2005, latterly as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). In his new role at UWS, he will be the sole Deputy to the Principal and Vice-Chancellor and his portfolio will encompass strategic and operational planning, executive-level leadership of the UWS Deans of School, and oversight of the University’s academic and professional services portfolios whilst promoting a culture of excellence and enterprise.

Professor Olivier said on accepting the role: “I am delighted at the opportunity to join such an ambitious and inspiring institution as UWS. I feel a strong personal affinity with the University’s social mission, and its principles of changing lives and transforming communities. Whilst I will be sad to move on from Abertay, this personal connection of principles and core values means that I am excited at what lies ahead with UWS. I look forward to playing a key role in the future success of University of the West of Scotland.”

Originally from South Africa, Professor Olivier is an active researcher, specialising in the ethics of outdoor and adventure activities. He has published widely, in a number of areas including the philosophy of sport, research ethics, sports psychology, physiology, and morphology, and comments on academic matters for the education and general media. He is also regularly approached to present keynote and invited lectures and presentations on educational matters and change management.

UWS Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Craig Mahoney said of the appointment:

I am thrilled that Steve will be joining UWS in such an important role, and at such a key point in our development.

Professor Mahoney continued:

“He brings a track record of pragmatic and stable leadership, coupled with a personal commitment to the values and mission of the institution. We are privileged to be able to welcome a leader of his calibre and commitment to UWS, and are excited about the next stages of the UWS journey with him.”

Original article sourced fromhttps://www.uws.ac.uk/news/app…

Posted by Alan Walter

Alan Walter

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As the higher education landscape evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities in talent acquisition.

In this edition of our newsletter we examine the rise of interim appointments in response to the current recruitment challenges, the future of international student recruitment and the latest articles to hit the press as well as a very special milestone…🎂🎂🎂

Here’s to a happy, healthy, and successful 2025 !! 🧡🧡

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This month marks a significant milestone for Dixon Walter, the executive recruitment firm renowned for its specialisation in higher education. Over the past decade, the firm—led by Mike Dixon and Alan Walter—has become a trusted partner to universities, facilitating transformative leadership appointments that have shaped the future of academia and contributed to wider societal progress.

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As executive recruiters specialising in higher education, we’ve witnessed a fascinating shift in recent months: the growing reliance on interim placements to fill critical leadership roles. This trend has been particularly pronounced over the last six months, as declining international student numbers have put significant financial pressure on institutions and the cost of living also having a detrimental impact on domestic student numbers. These economic challenges, coupled with an ever-changing landscape, underscore the adaptability of the sector and the critical need for skilled leadership during these turbulent times.