Andy Rees MA, PGCE, BA (Hons), SFHEA

Andy Rees is Ravensbourne University London’s Dean. As a member of the University’s Executive, Andy plays a central role in managing all academic provision and in the development and delivery of Ravensbourne’s distinctive, high-quality education provision. 

Andy joined Ravensbourne in March 2022, with significant experience across Higher and Further Education sectors. He previously worked at the University of East London where he led on a number of institutional projects including the creation and delivery of the Mental Wealth: Professional Fitness Framework; the development and implementation of an Academic Advisors Framework; the evolution and realisation of the Peer Enhancement process and policy; the enhancement of mental wellbeing in the curriculum and he co-authored the institutional Learning and Teaching Framework. 

Whilst at UEL Andy drove the reinvention of pedagogic approaches in visual arts, architecture and computing disciplines both through the moves to hyflex learning and in the radical reworking of physical spaces to maximise interdisciplinary collaboration.

In his previous roles in HE in FE Andy led on the significant growth of Access and HE for a provider in South Essex, building the largest provision in the region as well as developing innovative partnerships with industry and other HEIs, including amongst the first higher apprenticeships in the UK with Petroplus and a unique partnership with the Royal Opera House to support progression into costume construction careers.  He also contributed to the development of three major capital builds across South Essex, shaping the learning environments to support engagement, retention, progression and widen access.

Educated at Nottingham and Westminster Universities, Andy initially followed a career in fashion and editorial photography where his work was widely published. His engagement with Higher Education was driven by his desire to enhance the student experience by integrating employment practice into pedagogy and to widen participation and access. 

Andy's research explores the two, sometimes connected subject areas of landscape in digital wilderness and the histories and futures of pedagogic spaces. He has exhibited in venues across the UK and America and has a forthcoming touring show in 2023 titled 'the New Education 2'.