Media grandee appointed chair of governors at Leeds Beckett University

LEEDS Beckett University’s newly appointed chair of governors believes that Yorkshire businesses will play an increasingly important role in the institution’s future evolution.

Media executive David Lowen – who was previously a director of Yorkshire Television for six years – was appointed to the role on December 1.

Mr Lowen maintains that closer working relationships between the university and companies in Yorkshire and beyond are of fundamental importance to ensuring that students are fully prepared for working life while also ensuring that businesses source appropriate graduates.

He said: “Independent estimates place the amount of money generated by Leeds Beckett University for the city’s economy to be in the region of £470m a year.

“The success of the university and the city are entwined on many different levels.

“But in the future, we’re going to want to work even more closely with our partners in business – and I think that we’ll be feeding even more closely off each other for our mutual benefit.

“And we’re acutely aware that by fostering close relationships with business we’re making our students’ prospects much better.

“I think it’s fair to say that many students completing three years at university want to be older, wiser and more educated – but they also need jobs.

“That’s something that Leeds Beckett has always placed an emphasis on – and we’ll continue to do so in the future.”

He added that nine out of 10 graduates from Leeds Beckett University find jobs within six months of leaving.

Mr Lowen will also be actively involved in overseeing the development of the university’s next strategic plan, which is expected to commence next year.

But the outcome of next year’s general election currently means that it’s difficult to predict the direction this will take.

He added: “I think that it’s important that the plan is formed within the framework of what’s happening in government at any given time.

“Over the next five years, I think that there will be enormous changes within the education sector.

“For a start, students will have even more opportunity and even greater choice about where and how they study.

“Bluntly, all universities will have to be prepared to compete more to service students’ needs by becoming more and more agile and flexible in their approach to achieving this.”

Mr Lowen is familiar with Leeds, having previously lived in the city for 30 years.

Prior to taking up his role as director at Yorkshire Television, the father of two was editor of Calendar News.

He subsequently established – and was the first chairman – of Leeds Media, the media industry’s best practice organisation for media companies in Leeds, and was also previously director of the Yorkshire Screen Commission (now Screen Yorkshire) and chairman of Leeds Studios.

In addition, he holds a number of non-executive positions and is currently chairman of international broadcast software company SysMedia and is on the board of the European public service broadcasting organisation, Circom Regional, where he previously held the role of President.

“I am genuinely delighted to be taking on this role with Leeds Beckett University at such a challenging time for higher education.

“Television is going through a time of disruption and change.

“There are fascinating parallels in education as the range of choice and the methods of delivery widen.

“Leeds Beckett has responded superbly to the challenges over the past few years thanks to the skills of the management, the support of the academic and professional support staff, and the guidance of the Vice Chancellor and the board.

“I hope to be able to ensure Leeds Beckett can build on that firm base going forward.

“Our focus has and will remain on our students; their education, their wellbeing, and the best preparation for their future employment.”