Advisory Board

Your Student President leads and supports your student leadership team to get the best results for students. They act as the most senior student leader, working closely with senior leadership at the University, ensuring your voice is at the heart of major decisions, projects, and growth. They also represent you to organisations outside the Univeristy, such as local government, to lobby for the student interests in the communities we live.

You elected Jay to; Childcare support for student parents; More paid opportunities - internships, work experience & exposure; and Timely support, timely grades and respect you deserve.

Your Vice President Education takes the lead on representing and advocating for your academic interests. They act as the most senior student representative on educational matters from curriculum design to learning resources. They know that education can transform the lives of our students and so they work with your other student representatives to ensure you get hte most out of your educational experience.

You elected Victoria to; Improve access to lecturers and academic support; Expand and strengthen tutorial opportunities; and champion feedback that helps you grow.

Your Vice President Student Needs takes the lead on advocating for services and initiatives that support your fundamental needs. They act as the most senior student representative on wellbeing, student community, and equity, diversity and inclusion. They know the importance a sense of belonging plays and that there are things, such as the cost of living, that will impact your progression inside the classroom.

You elected Jessica to; Champion student voices; Build a connected and inclusive community; and empower academic and personal growth.

Maria O’Sullivan, a mature Level 4 LLB (Hons) Law student, is a former international athlete turned disability and human rights advocate. Living with a chronic pain condition, autism, and ADHD, she is passionate about inclusion and accessibility. Maria holds a patent pending for adaptive formalwear for wheelchair users and volunteers with neurodiversity and animal welfare organisations. A school leaver at 15, she champions mature learners and inclusive education. Fluent in multiple languages, Maria enjoys reading, films, and describes herself as a proud crazy cat lady. She aims to pursue a career in human and animal rights law after graduation.

Sam Barnard, 48, is a mature Executive MBA distance learning student and full-time employee at London Ambulance Service. A brain tumour survivor, she’s passionate about supporting students in accessing resources to achieve their goals. With a background in teaching and engineering, Sam advocates for collaborative, inclusive learning. As an LAS Equality and Inclusion advocate, she’s developing a mindfulness and well-being programme focused on menopause, emotional health, exercise, and nutrition. She embraces change as a positive force for growth and sees joining the board as a chance to connect with students and help shape a more supportive further education experience.

Vijee Djega is a third and final year BSc Psychology with Counselling (Distance Learning) student with over 15 years’ experience as a Social Media Consultant. Her background spans digital content, communication, event management, public relations, and B2B client services across sectors including international conferences and non-profits. She is currently expanding her knowledge of mental health through her studies and volunteering. Vijee joined the Board to use her communication and organisational skills to support distance learners, champion student wellbeing, and promote inclusivity. She is passionate about creating a more connected, supportive academic community through collaboration and positive change.

Kara Irwin is a US and UK qualified lawyer and executive coach providing international advisory, training, and coaching services to law firms, universities, and non-profit organisations at both the board and operational levels.

She practiced corporate law in New York and London while developing an active pro bono practice focused on using legal professional associations to promote and support good governance and the rule of law. She later founded the Pro Bono Centre at BPP Law School, during which time she also served as a trustee for Advocates for International Development and LawWorks and as an advisor on pro bono matters to the UK Attorney General.

Her current advisory and board roles focus on operational efficiency, people and process management, governance, and compliance. Kara values the AUSA Advisory Board as a way to support hard-working and inspirational Arden students making the most of educational opportunities.

James Adeleke is the CEO of Generation Success, an award-winning social enterprise, who collaborates with over 70 employers in the UK and Ireland to tackle social inequalities and connect diverse talent with careers through mentoring, events, and recruitment services.

James values his role on the Advisory Board of Arden University as it allows him to influence educational policies and practices that promote inclusivity and equal opportunities. This position enables him to integrate his expertise in diversity and social change into the academic sphere, fostering an environment where all students can thrive. His work at Arden University aligns with his broader mission of driving social change and equality.

He is also a member of the Education Board at the City of London Corporation and a School Governor at Newham Collegiate. His work has earned him recognition, including being named in the Diversity Powerlist 2023, won the Entrepreneur of Excellence Award at the National Diversity Awards 2022, and was announced as EY's Accelerate Entrepreneur of the Year 2021.

Anwar has worked in several Higher Education Institutions for both the university and their Students’ Unions. He currently works for a university as a lawyer specialising in contracts and procurement and was previously the Managing Director of another Students’ Association in London. He has separate HE qualifications in IT, Business, Law and Coaching but is a big fan of the work Arden University is accomplishing for its own students and has supported the development of our Association since 2022.

He has a particular interest in working with Student bodies and is incredibly supportive of the work and growth of our own student body. He also works extensively as a volunteer for several charitable organisations, including UEASU as a Supervising Trustee, the Scout Association as Chairman of a Scout Group and he runs a youth club he founded over 5 years ago in an economically deprived area.

Lauren Legroun, CMgr FCMI, is a results-driven executive and Chartered Fellow with extensive Board-level experience, including her tenure as CEO overseeing a university of applied sciences. With a strong background in commercial strategy, Lauren has successfully led international business organizations with 250+ employees. She boasts a remarkable track record of driving growth across B2B, B2C, and B2G sectors, especially within the education industry.

Lauren's expertise spans executive leadership in marketing, sales, business development, finance, HR, legal, IT, and academic operations. Her proficiency in SaaS and corporate training programs and her ability to form strategic international partnerships underscores her sophisticated understanding of the education sector.

Currently working with M Square Media Group as Chief Business Officer for Global Markets, Lauren values her role as Deputy Chair of the AUSA Advisory Board because it allows her to share her expertise and contribute to driving successful outcomes for Arden University students. By leveraging her global business network, fostering innovation, and enhancing business performance, she aims to play a pivotal role in strategic decision-making and mentorship that directly benefits the student community.

Steve Clayton is Pro Vice Chancellor (Effectiveness, Quality and Complaince) at Arden University and is a univeristy member of Arden University Students' Association Advisory Board.

Steve is a highly experienced university administration professional, with a deep understanding of the Higher Education sector developed over 25 years. He has spent his entire career in Higher Education roles, spanning the full breadth of university functions including Faculty, Strategy, Planning, Student Experience, Inclusion, Registry, Quality and Standards, Governance, Compliance, Information Technology, Estates, and numerous strategic projects. He is relentless in ensuring high quality standards and cares deeply about the integrity of Higher Education.

Steve is a member of the Association of Heads of University Administration and is their spokesperson on Quality and Standards.

Steve does not seek personal accolade or award, preferring to focus entirely on the continuous improvement of Arden University on behalf of its students, staff, and shareholders.

Vanessa is the General Legal Counsel at Arden University and is a university member of the Arden University Students' Association Advisory Board.

Craig McIlwain, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience, brings over 20 years of leadership in international education, academic operations, and student experience strategy across the UK, Europe, and globally. He previously led transformative changes at EF Education First and held senior roles at Navitas Europe, University of Leicester, and more. Craig is also a Governor at Virtual Learning UK, contributing to higher education strategy and quality. At Arden, he will lead the continued development of ArdenNeXT and other strategic initiatives to enhance the student journey, ensuring students are equipped, engaged, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Professor Brian Smith, Deputy Provost, brings over 30 years of experience in global higher education. A National Teaching Fellow and Advance HE Principal Fellow, he is recognised for developing innovative teaching models across disciplines including healthcare, psychology, technology, law, and engineering. His PhD focused on learner behaviour and needs in various learning environments. Brian has contributed to major sector initiatives, including End Point Assessments for Apprenticeships, micro-credential frameworks, and TEF 2023. He also serves as a journal reviewer and author, with notable work such as Creativity: An Unsolved Enigma. His leadership continues to shape inclusive, future-focused education.