UNSW is taking an exciting step to expand access to education worldwide with the establishment of UNSW Group Ventures.
UNSW is establishing the Group Ventures Business Development Team to identify and triage global opportunities to support more students around the world in their home locality and assist with our financial diversity. It’s dedicated to creating innovative ways for students to learn – wherever they are.
UNSW Ventures will be governed and operate within UNSW Global Pty Ltd (trading as UNSW College). It brings the strength of UNSW group networks and UNSW College’s on-ground relationships and educational offerings through to all UNSW faculties. Group Ventures will also ensure close alignment with the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All, acting as a catalyst for sustainable growth and collaboration across the University.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the team will identify and activate opportunities that extend UNSW’s global footprint.
“The higher education landscape is changing rapidly and presenting exciting opportunities for progressive universities. To achieve our progress for all ambitions, we want to connect more students globally with UNSW’s world-class educational offerings.”
UNSW Group Ventures will act as UNSW’s strategic growth engine for education, identifying opportunities to deliver high-quality learning experiences through transnational education (TNE), partnerships and new models that make UNSW programs more accessible. This includes pathway programs, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, skills training and lifelong learning.
Senior leaders will guide this work
Sarah Lightfoot, CEO of UNSW Global (trading as UNSW College), will have an expanded portfolio through the appointment to PVC Education Futures. Sarah will wear two hats, CEO and PVC. UNSW Group Ventures sits within the Provost portfolio at the centre of UNSW, so she will also work closely with our Provost Professor Vlado Perkovic, and with DVC Global, Professor Colin Grant. Sarah is a recognised industry leader with an exceptional track record in partnership development, curriculum innovation and global market engagement so she is uniquely placed to shape this new portfolio.
Professor Chris Styles, PVC Transnational Ventures (PVC TNV) will be seconded to the Group Ventures team, reporting to Sarah, to lead the design and development of global education ventures across the UNSW Group. Prof. Styles will be responsible for sourcing, evaluating and progressing new commercial opportunities that expand UNSW’s international presence, local student offerings and generate sustainable revenue growth through high-quality, impact-driven, education-led partnerships. Chris will continue to work closely with Prof. Grant and Professor Lisa Zamberlan (PVC International) and her Global Education Initiatives (GEI) team to ensure a very strong interface between business development and business delivery.
The new team is equipped with a combination of commercial acumen, academic credibility and strategic partnership management to extend UNSW’s global impact while ensuring compliance, quality and alignment with the UNSW Strategy: Progress for All.
“This team will help us reach students in their home countries, create new learning pathways and strengthen UNSW’s reputation as a global leader in education,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
“UNSW Group Ventures will collaborate across the University and with governments, industry and education partners to deliver programs that meet the needs of learners everywhere.”
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