NMITE has appointed academic and industry specialist Richard Lillington as its first Head of Learning and Teaching, as the emerging engineering institution sets out the next phase of its academic development.
Lillington joins NMITE as Professor in Engineering and takes on a newly created senior leadership role that will oversee teaching quality, curriculum design and assessment across the organisation. The position sits at the centre of NMITE's plans for academic growth and strategic direction.
He arrives from Aston University, where he was Senior Teaching Fellow in the College of Engineering and Physics. He previously led teaching in mechanical engineering at Warwick University.
Before entering higher education, Lillington worked for many years in the aerospace and automotive sectors. NMITE said his mix of industrial and academic experience underpinned the decision to create and fill the post as it refines its model of engineering education.
New leadership role
The Head of Learning and Teaching role carries responsibility for the improvement and oversight of education quality across NMITE. The remit includes the development and review of curriculum, the design and operation of assessment, and leadership of teaching staff.
The institution has given the role a central part in implementing its educational strategy. It has also linked the position directly to maintaining academic standards as NMITE expands its student body and programme portfolio.
At NMITE, Lillington will focus on continuous improvement in teaching and learning practices. The organisation describes this as a core aspect of its culture and a requirement for its model of delivery.
NMITE positions itself as a challenger in engineering higher education. It stresses practice-based learning, cross-disciplinary study and tight links with industry partners.
Explaining his decision to join NMITE, Lillington said he was attracted by its experimental approach and emphasis on real-world engineering work.
"NMITE is a trailblazer, and I am delighted to be joining an institution that is proving that engineering education can be done better. I believe 100% in the transformational power of education. Universities produce amazing engineers but sometimes they are not as confident or hands on as they could be - great at maths but not at solving real-world problems. This is where NMITE comes in and I look forward to playing a part in its future plans," said Richard Lillington, Professor in Engineering and Head of Learning and Teaching, NMITE.
Focus on students
NMITE leaders have framed the appointment as a reinforcement of its academic team and as a way to sharpen its model of delivery for students.
James Newby, President and CEO of NMITE, said the new role would concentrate on strengthening staff support and teaching practice across the institution.
"While Richard's focus will be on supporting our academic team to deliver the best job they can do, the ultimate beneficiaries will be our students. He brings with him many years of leadership experience in both academia and industry, and is a passionate advocate of authentic, hands-on engineering education that equips graduates for their future careers. He understands our model and passionately believes in what we are delivering," said Newby.
NMITE opened with the stated aim of offering a different format of engineering higher education. It targets students from a range of backgrounds, including those who may not have previously considered careers in engineering.
The curriculum brings together multiple engineering disciplines. It sits alongside liberal arts content and interpersonal skills training that NMITE says reflect employer demand.
Teaching uses a student-centred approach. Courses work around real-world challenges that are designed with input from industry and external partners.
Professional track record
Lillington holds Chartered Engineer status. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
He is also a Principal Fellow and active member of the Higher Education Academy. These positions recognise his standing in both professional engineering and engineering education.
His industry background includes technical and leadership roles in aerospace and automotive businesses. That experience underpins his emphasis on hands-on, practice-based learning and contact with real engineering problems.
NMITE's leadership expects the new appointment to shape its teaching approach as it scales up. The organisation plans further development of its course portfolio and engagement with a broader student cohort in the coming years.
