Higher education leader, educator and researcher. First-in-family to go to university and passionate about widening participation in Higher Education. Committed to providing transformational opportunities for learners and businesses through outstanding education, research and knowledge exchange. I am Dean of the School of Business at the University of Central Lancashire and Professor of Business Engagement. My research interests include transport and tourism, the experience economy, cultural tourism and tourism/hospitality education. I have published research papers in peer-reviewed academic journals and presented at international tourism and transport conferences. I am a reviewer for leading tourism and management journals.I am the President of EuroCHRIE (European Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education). I sit on EuroCHRIE’s Executive Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of International CHRIE. I have been an active member of EuroCHRIE since 2004 and served on the Board of Directors since 2012, first as Area Consultant for the UK and then Federation Secretary and Vice President. In 2015, I was Conference Chair for the EuroCHRIE Annual Conference in Manchester, UK.I am a Chartered Association of Business Schools Certified Management and Business Educator (CMBE), Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA) and a Member of the Institute of Travel and Tourism, and the Institute of Place Management. I also serve as a Quality Assessor for the Office for Students.