University Town Halls

Jay is your elected Student President and host of the Town Hall Series. Jay will lead the discussions and ensure that your questions are put to the right people and that they answer your question.

I’m a higher education leader with more than 15 years of experience dedicated to helping students succeed and thrive at university. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on improving the student experience, creating supportive learning environments, and working closely with staff and students to make sure your academic journey is rewarding and empowering.

I’m passionate about helping students feel confident, connected, and prepared — whether that’s by designing better academic programs, building more engaging learning opportunities, or creating initiatives that boost belonging, wellbeing, and success.

Alongside my leadership work, I have a strong background in teaching and research, with publications on human rights, juvenile justice, criminal justice ethics, and global criminology. But what drives me most is seeing students grow, achieve their goals, and feel part of a thriving university community.

Craig McIlwain is Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience at Arden University, bringing over 20 years of leadership in international education, academic operations, and student engagement. He previously held senior roles at EF Education First, Navitas Europe, and multiple UK institutions, where he led strategic initiatives to improve student satisfaction, retention, and partnership development. Craig also serves as a Governor at Virtual Learning UK, contributing to sector-wide strategy and quality enhancement. At Arden, he leads the continued development of ArdenNeXT and other initiatives focused on empowering students and enhancing their experience across all modes of study.

I’m Andy Ramsden, Director of Distance Learning at Arden since September 2024. With over 25 years in higher education, my passion is making distance learning an inspiring and supportive experience. The focus at Arden University has been on improving the student experience through the Distance Learning Improvement Plan. We’ve been working hard to make more engaging, introducing standardisation, connected and better supported, with new initiatives like the Distance Learning Campus and the Prepare-Engage-Demonstrate model. These changes aim to build stronger connections, improve continuation, and make sure distance learners feel part of a community. I’m really keen to hear your views on how we can keep improving your experience.

Mimie Hollist is the Director of Campuses shaping the future of campus experience of our students across all locations. From strategic planning to day-to-day experiences, Mimie is instrumental in creating campuses that make students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed in their educational journey at Arden.

Mimie brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles in campus planning and management. With extensive experience in higher education, she leads to enhance our campus operations, improve student spaces and services, and strengthen connections between students, staff, and the wider university community. She also leads international student support services in both the UK and Berlin.

Debbie Groom is Head of Student Success, with strategic responsibility for University Wellbeing Services—including support for students with disabilities, mental health concerns, and safeguarding—and for advancing student persistence. Her remit encompasses the oversight of attendance and engagement monitoring, the design and delivery of targeted retention interventions, and the resolution of student complaints. Debbie’s leadership is instrumental in shaping a responsive and equitable student support framework, aligned with the University’s strategic objectives and committed to fostering a culture of care, accountability, and academic success.

My role is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of student intervention and engagement strategies across three key areas - success coaching, student life engagement and multicultural hub support, and the distance learning student hub. The aims are to drive student engagement and participation by ensuring students are aware of and have access to the services they need to enhance their overall student experience and improve continuation, completion and progression rates. I work closely with campus teams, Academic Persistence and other student experience teams to deliver programmes to achieve student success.

Gemma Briggs joined Arden University in August 2025 as Head of Strategic Student Communications. In this new role she will be developing an inclusive and impactful student communication strategy that ensures all students have access to the information they need to succeed. She leads a small and highly productive team that includes a Student Communications Manager and Student Communications Specialist. Gemma’s background includes working in Formula 1 and the arts sector. She recently completed an MA Photography as a part-time, distance learner.