Professor Zainab Khan appointed CEO and principal of UA92

We are please to announce that we have appointed Professor Zainab Khan as our new CEO and principal.

Zainab joins us from London South Bank University, where she served as pro vice-chancellor for academic resources and transformation, leading the design and delivery of strategies to revitalise the academic and wider operating models to improve financial performance.

She brings more than 18 years’ experience in higher education roles covering academic leadership, strategic resource planning, teaching and learning, quality, student experience and EDI.

A lawyer by background, Zainab has held Board and governance roles within charities and financial services and serves as the vice-chair of the Premier League’s equality standard. She is widely recognised for her track record on education strategy, student outcomes, transformation and inclusive leadership.

Before joining London South Bank University, Zainab held executive leadership roles at Royal Holloway, University of London and London Metropolitan University where her work led to significant improvements in student outcomes and institutional performance.

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Khan said: “Higher education is operating in a period of profound change and scrutiny. At the same time students are rightly asking for clear evidence that their education will prepare them for successful and fulfilling lifelong careers.

“Universities must continuously adapt to respond to the external environment. What makes UA92 deliberately different is its willingness to challenge conventional models of higher education and ensure all students receive an industry-driven experience as well as honing their essential life skills through the 92 Programme.”

She continued: “During the recruitment process, I was struck by the passion of colleagues, students and the Board reflecting the institution’s determination to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives. UA92 has built impressive momentum and I look forward to working with colleagues and strategic partners to build on that success in the years ahead.”

Zainab, who will start in July, takes the baton from Sara Prowse who has led UA92 through a period of significant growth.

Over a five-year period, UA92 saw student numbers increase by more than 1,500% to over 1,400 and new world-class teaching locations established at Old Trafford Stadium and Emirates Old Trafford, making UA92 one of the UK’s fastest growing higher education institutions.

Today, 42% of UA92’s home students come from the UK’s most disadvantaged communities, while graduate outcomes consistently rank in the upper quartile nationally.

Marnie Millard OBE, chair of the board at UA92, said: “Professor Khan’s appointment follows a rigorous search process to identify a leader who can build on the progress Sara has spearheaded over the past five years and lead the institution through its next phase of growth.

“Zainab’s experience, values and strategic leadership experience make her exceptionally well placed to strengthen our impact for students, employers and communities alike.”