Aston University Appoints Founding Director of Aston Professional
Aston University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Goudarz Poursharif as the founding Director of Aston Professional.
This pivotal new role in the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) portfolio will drive strategic transformation and growth of Aston University’s degree apprenticeships, executive education, continuing professional development and micro-credentials provision.
The Director of Aston Professional will be instrumental in identifying new markets, sales opportunities, tailored client care, professional delivery teams, quality assurance and learner support and satisfaction.
Gourdarz Poursharif is a professor in sustainable engineering, a chartered engineer, a principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an Office for Students (OfS) external quality assessor.
Most recently he held the role of Acting Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education at Aston University, establishing and managing Aston University’s quality assurance and enhancement team and leading the University through its most recent Ofsted and OfS inspection visits as the University Quality Nominee.
From 2022 to 2024, Gourdarz was Associate Dean and Deputy Dean for Education in the University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. From 2023-24, he has successfully spearheaded the College’s curriculum transformation project by leading the comprehensive portfolio review, re-design and revalidation of all of its undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses in line with Aston 2030 Strategy.
Prior to this appointment, he held the role of Director of Professional Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Programmes from 2019 to 2022, during which time he led the design, development, accreditation and growth of five work-based learning programmes, including three engineering degree apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with major companies such as BMW UK, Alstom, National Grid Gas, 3M, Fuchs PLC, Babcock and Collins Aerospace.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“I am delighted to announce that Professor Goudarz Poursharif has been appointed as the new Director of Aston Professional.
“This is an exciting period of strategic transformation at Aston University. In line with our 2030 Strategy and the move to an omnichannel approach, this role is key to redesigning the development, planning and delivery of our professional education and training programmes around the needs of employers, businesses and local communities.
“Goudarz brings with him a wealth of experience and a strong track record in this area and I would like to congratulate him on his appointment.”
Speaking of his appointment, Professor Gourdarz Poursharif said:
“I am absolutely honoured to be appointed as the Director of Aston Professional and I am so excited about being part of this amazing journey of putting Aston Professional on the forefront of transformative skills-based, industry-informed, professional and executive education for all of our stakeholders in line with our Aston 2030 Strategy.
Professor Poursharif took up his new role with effect from 1 July 2024.