Dr Baker appointed pro vice-chancellor dean at University of Derby
Registered diagnostic radiographer Dr Denise Baker has been appointed pro vice-chancellor dean to lead the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care at the University of Derby.
Dr Baker, who joined the university in 2013, will be responsible for delivering on priorities including working in partnership with students to improve their learning experiences and outcomes, supporting staff with research opportunities, and collaborating with organisations across the region to support the new integrated care system.
During her time at Derby, Dr Baker has held several roles, most recently as interim pro vice-chancellor dean before securing the permanent position. Professional highlights have included introducing the nursing associate role, as well as some of the first online apprenticeships leading to professional registration.
She said: “It is an honour to take on such a key role at the University of Derby and to be continuing my work within the college and wider university, building enduring links with regional and national partners, and raising the university’s national and international profile through new partnership opportunities.
“I have found Derby to be an organisation that aligns closely with my personal values and a strong sense of wanting to make a positive difference to others. Looking ahead, I am very excited about our future and working with colleagues and stakeholders to not only meet the health and social care needs of the region, and further afield, but supporting our students to realise their potential and achieve their ambitions.”
Dr Baker trained at the Hereford and Worcester School of Radiography in the 1980s. Her clinical career began at Alexandra Hospital in Redditch, progressing to a senior radiographer position at Burton Hospital in the 1990s. In order to pursue her ambitions to become an educator, she gained additional qualifications and moved into her first academic post at the then University of Central England (now Birmingham City University) while maintaining a clinical role for several years at Walsall Manor Hospital.
Picture: Dr Denise Baker will lead the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care.
Published on page 2 of the May 2022 issue of RAD Magazine.
