GLASGOW.- Rachel Dickson, current Dean of Academic Programmes at Central Saint Martins (University of the Arts, London) is to be the Deputy Director, Academic at The Glasgow School of Art it was announced today.

Rachel, who graduated from the Royal College of Art with an MA Ceramics and Glass, has an extensive career as an academic leader within creative education. She has significant experience in designing and leading courses across all levels of Higher Education, of interdisciplinary working, improving the student experience and delivering new approaches to education that encompass social justice, responses to climate emergency and equality and diversity. Prior to her appointment as Dean of Academic Programmes at Central Saint Martins she was Associate Head of School at Belfast School of Art at the University of Ulster.

In her current role, Rachel is a key member of Central St Martin’s Senior Leadership team, contributing to the development of their strategy and vision. She has specific responsibility for academic leadership and management of four academic programmes; has developed and led on strategic partnerships with industry and academic institutions including a £1.5 million LVMH Partnership and an MOU with the prestigious research University Tokyo Institute of Technology.

As a maker, Rachel’s focus is both personal and political. She is interested in the role of women; the representation of the female voice, memory, the narrative of objects; sustainability in making; the space between art and craft; and is an invited course leader for the UNESCO & Women@Dior: Women Leadership & Sustainability Programme.

“I am delighted that Rachel will be joining The Glasgow School of Art as our new Deputy Director Academic,” says Professor Penny Macbeth, Director of The Glasgow School of Art. “Rachel will bring significant experience as an academic leader, most recently at two prominent centres of creative education - Central St Martin’s and Belfast School of Art - and has a wealth of personal and professional qualities that will be invaluable to us as we take the GSA forward. 

As a key member of our Senior Leadership team, Rachel will make a huge contribution to the development and implementation of our academic vision and build on the work already being undertaken to deliver the highest quality student experience.

“I am very much looking forward to joining The Glasgow School of Art as Deputy Director Academic at such a pivotal time,” says Rachel Dickson. “The launch of the new strategy under Penny’s leadership creates the opportunity to work with all of our community both within and outwith the GSA to collectively and collaboratively shape our future through ambition, courage and care.

“I bring with me almost twenty years of experience in Higher Education together with my practice as a maker, and although I recognise and celebrate the rich history of the GSA, I am excited to become part of and help shape its future.”

Rachel Dickson replaces Allan Atlee. She will join the GSA in March 2023