University News Last updated 13 June
Rakhee Aggarwal has been appointed as Dean of Birmingham City University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery.
Currently Executive Dean and Head of the School of Health and Social Care at the University of Gloucestershire, she will take up her new role on 1 August.
Professor Ian Blair, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic, is looking forward to working with Rakhee to build on BCU’s reputation as one of the leading trainers of nurses and midwives in the country.
“Leadership of the new School of Nursing and Midwifery is a significant role, so I am very pleased to have been able to appoint someone with such a powerful track record in healthcare and in higher education,” said Professor Blair.
“Rakhee will work with me and others to ensure the highest standards of teaching, the very best student experience, and ever stronger relationships with the health sector.”
Rakhee (pictured) brings nearly two decades of leadership experience from the University of the West of England,, following an earlier career in mental health nursing.
She has served as a non-executive director at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and currently holds a similar role at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust.
Rakhee also has a strong track record in equity, diversity and inclusion, leading initiatives at the University of Gloucestershire and contributing research on the experiences of Black and minority ethnic students in higher education.
Rakhee said: “I am hugely looking forward to the challenge of joining BCU and building on its existing reputation as such a major provider of midwifery and nursing graduates to the region.
“Midwives and nurses play a vital role in healthcare delivery and are central to tackling inequality and improving people’s lives. I am very excited by the opportunity to take this to a new level, working closely with BCU’s staff and student community.”
BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said: “Rakhee’s experience and passion will be a great asset to BCU’s staff and students.
“I know she will play a leading role in how we advance our ambitious plans for 2030 and beyond, including forging deeper partnerships with healthcare providers across the region.”