Meet the Student Engagement & Enhancement team

Photo of Russ sitting at a desk

Russell Lewis
Head of Student Engagement

Russ is a first-class BA (Hons) History graduate from the University of Derby. He also has PG qualifications from Birmingham and Winchester. Russ has worked in higher education for over 10 years and oversees the work of the Widening Access team and the Student Engagement & Enhancement team.

Email
r.lewis@derby.ac.uk
Photo of Cheryl

Cheryl Stephens
Deputy Student Engagement & Enhancement Manager

Cheryl has PG qualifications in Business Administration and Strategic Management and has worked in higher education for over 18 years. Cheryl is responsible for the Student Engagement & Enhancement team’s remit in relation to student voice & insight and international student engagement.

Email
c.stephens@derby.ac.uk
A photo of Holly Dyer

Holly Dyer
Senior Engagement Officer

Holly is a BA (Hons) Education Studies (SEND pathway) graduate from the University of Derby who has worked across all stages of education. Holly is responsible for leading on a range of provision to support transition, enable student engagement, and enhance the student experience.

Email
h.dyer@derby.ac.uk

Yasmin Clough
Senior Engagement Officer (International)

Yasmin studied her UG at Leeds Beckett University and is currently studying an MA in Education at the University of Derby. Yasmin has worked at Derby for 3 years and designs and co-ordinates a range of engagement activity to ensure international students feel a sense of belonging at Derby.

Email
y.clough@derby.ac.uk
A person smiling.

Eloise Heathcote
Student Engagement Officer

Eloise is a BA (Hons) Counselling and Psychotherapy graduate from the University of Derby. As Student Engagement Officer, Eloise researches and delivers engagement activity (such as Welcome and the University Induction) by utilising student insight to enhance the student experience.

Email
e.heathcote@derby.ac.uk
Photo of Ryan in his cap and gown with his degree certificate

Ryan Davidson
Student Enhancement Officer

Ryan is an MA Music Production and BSc (Hons) Information Technology graduate from the University of Derby. Ryan has 4 years experience working for the University and specialises in student voice and insight activities. He also has a passion for embedding equality and inclusion in all our work.

Email
r.davidson2@derby.ac.uk
A person smiling.

Joseph Daubney
Student Engagement Officer (International)

Joe is a BSc (Hons) Psychology graduate from the University of York. He has a background in supporting students and is passionate about inclusion and wellbeing. Joe helps support the integration of international students at the University.

Email
j.daubney@derby.ac.uk
A person sat with a microphone

Sisala Katambi
Engagement Coordinator

Sisala has an MA English literature degree from the University of Leeds and a First Class BA (Hons) in English from the University of Leicester. Sisala is passionate about creative writing, identity & belonging. Sisala organises activities to engage students and enhance their university experience.

Email
s.katambi@derby.ac.uk
A person smiling.

Rachael Graham
Student Enhancement Coordinator

Rachael has a BA (Hons) in Primary Teaching with QTS. She worked as a primary school teacher for over 16 years before joining the University of Derby. She is now enjoying working in higher education, using student voice and insight to help ensure that students have a positive university experience.

Email
r.graham2@derby.ac.uk
A person smiling.

Sara Akram
Student Engagement and Enhancement Placement

Sara is a University of Derby undergraduate pursuing a BSc (Hons) in Psychology. She is currently working with the team on a placement year, utilising her experience as a student to positively influence student-centred initiatives run by the University. She is passionate about Psychology and health.

Email
s.akram2@derby.ac.uk
Nine colleagues from the Student Engagement and Enhancement team stood outside in front of the trees.
Group photo of the Student Engagement & Enhancement team at WelcomeFest 2022