About us
The SCoLPP team can be emailed individually (see below) or at scolpp@staffs.ac.uk . We are based in Staffordshire University on the 3rd floor of the Catalyst building on Leek Rd, Stoke-on-Trent. Drop in and meet the team.
Director of SCoLPP – Stella Jones-Devitt
email: stella.jones-devitt@staffs.ac.uk
Stella Jones-Devitt has significant expertise in evaluation research. Presently, Project Iead of longitudinal evaluation of QAA Scotland (QAAS) Enhancement Themes. Stella co-led work (QAAS 19-20) concerning student/staff use of evidence for enhancement. She has led successful evaluation research for Office for Students (OfS), Advance HE, QAA, and Leadership Foundation, demonstrating capability in evaluation research methodology (e.g. examining causality using Integrative Reviewing and Appreciative Inquiry). Stella is an NTF, PFHEA, and was a national Ambassador for Learning and Teaching Excellence (2017-18, HEA/HEFCE) with strong understanding of how interventions impact student outcomes. She has excellent skills in designing effective and creative stakeholder engagement processes, e.g. authoring Advance HE (2020) Essential frameworks for enhancing student success: Flexible Learning and leading Subject Benchmark Statement reviews (QAA 2016, 2008).
Deputy Director of SCoLLP – Arinola Adefila
email: arinola.adefila@staffs.ac.uk
Arinola Adefila has over 20 years research and consultancy experience in Africa and Europe. As a trained teacher, She has a strong belief in continuous lifelong learning, and the power of education to support adaptability, curiosity, innovation and civic collaboration. These skills and competencies enable humans to be open to new ideas, learn new skills and solve problems. She has developed invaluable experience in research, evaluation, risk investigation, monitoring, and community/transdisciplinary education. She has also gained comprehensive knowledge through her training at doctoral, legal, and executive Business Administration levels across five countries, as well as strategic and managerial competencies through her career in academia, consultancy and the voluntary sector. She has successfully led complex projects with collaborative teams from diverse backgrounds. She is committed to making a significant contribution in society and enhancing design thinking and inclusive environments where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Arinola’s research focuses on learning in diverse spaces and transformative innovation.
Senior Research Fellow – Sue Lee
email: s.c.lee@staffs.ac.uk
Sue Lee (SFHEA) is a Senior Research Fellow in the Staffordshire Centre of Learning and Pedagogic Practice. Leading a team of learning technologists for 10 years, Sue has considerable experience running pedagogic workshops, in addition to formal accredited courses, short courses. Sue has led a short teaching course for academic staff over a number of years and bases this around an appreciative inquiry model to fully engage new staff in the Staffordshire University ethos of inclusivity and social mobility. Sue is particularly interested in phenomenon-based learning and how this approach could meet some of the challenges of 21st century tertiary education. Sue is currently studying for a PHD, looking into the intangible assets that influence the mature student journey. Heavily involved in the Inclusion agenda at the University since 2004, her masters’ research was focused on the impact that technology has for students with disabilities. Sue has guided teams towards inclusive practice across all areas of digital enablement.
Pedagogic Projects Development Manager – Sally Andrews
email: sally.andrews@staffs.ac.uk
Sally has over 10 years’ experience as an academic, leading, developing, and delivering curricula, and conducting research, evaluations, and analyses within the space. Most recently she has led a program of work exploring where and why students from non-traditional backgrounds face additional barriers through their academic journey. She is passionate about understanding what, when, and how different pedagogic approaches are effective in supporting students from diverse backgrounds to succeed in Higher Education and beyond. An advocate for mixed methods approaches, she has considerable expertise in using quantitative and qualitative data to provide robust evidence-based pedagogy.
Pedagogic Projects Development Manager – Kate Cuthbert
email: kate.cuthbert@staffs.ac.uk
Kate is a PFHEA and has significant experience in curriculum design and innovative pedagogies including phenomenon-based learning, trans-professional learning and simulation. Having led the professional recognition scheme at a previous institution and a PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Bahrain, Kate has expertise in scholarship development, supporting over 400 staff in being awarded HEA accreditation – including 5 Principal Fellows. Kate is passionate about sharing knowledge in learning and teaching, and has contributed to the National Teaching Repository for over two years (currently on the board of directors).