Heather Haseley becomes Managing Director of the Institute of Extended Learning

Heather Haseley has joined Imperial College London as the new managing director of the Institute of Extended Learning

Heather brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of collaboratively leading diverse teams across academia, professional services, student communities, and industry partners. Her expertise in creating and driving high-quality, innovative learning experiences and developing new business and academic opportunities will be invaluable to the Institute. 

Heather joins Imperial from the University of Exeter, where she served as Dean for Postgraduate & Online Education, Director of the Centre for Online Education, and Director of Education Innovation. Her previous roles include Executive Director for Learning Futures and Lead Design Architect for Next-Generation Learning at Arizona State University, as well as various education-focused positions at Northwestern University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Heather holds a Master of Science in Education Entrepreneurship from the University of Pennsylvania. 

As Managing Director, Heather will have overall responsibility for the management of the Institute, working closely with colleagues across Imperial to shape and deliver the institute's ambitious vision.  

On joining Imperial, Heather said: "I am excited to join Imperial College London and lead the Institute of Extended Learning. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and partners to drive innovative learning experiences and contribute to Imperial's vision for the future." 

Leila Guerra, Associate Provost (Digital Lifelong Learning), shared her enthusiasm for Heather's appointment, saying: "We are delighted to welcome Heather to Imperial and the Institute of Extended Learning. Her extensive experience and innovative approach to education will be instrumental in advancing our goals and creating impactful learning opportunities." 

The Imperial Institute of Extended Learning has been established in response to our rapidly evolving, science- and tech-driven world. The Institute will further expand Imperial’s offering beyond traditional degree programmes, encompassing flexible, lifelong, advanced STEMB training.

The Institute is made up of four units: Executive Education; the Centre for Academic English; the Interdisciplinary EdTech Lab; and Continuing Professional Development. As well as the combined expertise of these four units, the Institute will leverage the disciplinary excellence within Imperial's academic departments, and the unparalleled interdisciplinary capacity within our new Schools of Convergence Science to provide advanced skills training for individuals, businesses, governments, and other knowledge organisations. 

Heather's leadership will play a pivotal role in driving the Institute's mission forward, ensuring that Imperial remains at the forefront of educational innovation and lifelong learning.