Sheffield Hallam University appoints new Executive Deans to lead its two biggest colleges

Sheffield Hallam University has appointed Professor Aimee Aubeeluck as the new Executive Dean for the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences, and Professor Jennifer Smith Maguire as the Executive Dean of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering

Press contact: Rebecca Ferguson ǀ r.ferguson@shu.ac.uk

Professor Aimee Aubeeluck is an internationally recognised leader in health psychology and higher education, with a wealth of experience in advancing teaching excellence, research impact and student success.

A Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and Registered Health Psychologist with the Health and Care Professions Council, Professor Aubeeluck joins Hallam from her position as Head of School for Health Sciences at the University of Surrey, and prior to that having spent 19 years at the University of Nottingham.

Throughout her career, she has made substantial contributions to research-informed curricula, which focuses on student learning and psychological wellbeing. She also has an established record in health psychology research, particularly in chronic disease, quality of life, behaviour change and carer experiences.

Professor Aubeeluck is passionate about the role higher education can play in supporting people to transform their lives and achieve in ways they didn’t think possible. Her ambition is to work together with students to foster their passion for a career in the health and allied sciences, one that can change the world for others, whether that be through clinical practice, education, or research and innovation.

Speaking about her appointment, Professor Aubeeluck said: “I am truly excited to take on the role of Executive Dean for the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences at Hallam. I look forward to working with colleagues, students and partners to build on the College’s strengths of advancing high-quality education, impactful research and positive community engagement that together make a real difference to health and wellbeing locally, nationally and globally.”

Professor Jennifer Smith Maguire joined Hallam in 2018 as Professor of Cultural Production and Consumption in Sheffield Business School. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has over 25 years’ experience teaching and supervising across sociology, marketing, and cultural studies internationally.

As an internationally recognised scholar, her research and publications focus on markets, value and consumption. She also brings extensive experience in research and innovation leadership to the College of Business, Technology and Engineering, having previously served as Associate Dean for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange in the College and as a member of the Sheffield Hallam University Board of Governors.

Running through her research, teaching and leadership, is a deeply held belief in universities as civic institutions and engines of positive social and economic benefit. She is a passionate advocate of working in partnership across academic and professional roles to develop capacity, support people, and foster research cultures that are impact-oriented, inclusive and inspiring.

Professor Smith Maguire will be responsible for the overall strategic and academic leadership of the College, now home to the Sheffield Business School. She aims to use her role to deliver a student experience that centres enterprise and employability, delivering a pipeline of talented graduates equipped for key industrial sectors and able to tackle some of societies real-world challenges in areas such as the drive towards net-zero, development of future technologies and promoting business growth.

Professor Smith Maguire said: “I’m delighted to take on the role of Executive Dean and to build on the strong foundations already in place across the College of Business, Technology and Engineering.

“My ambition is to position the College as a multidisciplinary powerhouse that connects education, innovation and partnership to drive future economies and regional prosperity - building on our established strengths in developing future-ready talent, advancing applied research and innovation with industry, and supporting the growth and capability of organisations across the region.”

On announcing the appointments, Professor Liz Mossop, Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor, said: “The appointments of Professor Aubeeluck and Professor Smith Maguire add a wealth of valuable experience to Sheffield Hallam’s executive team as experts in their respective fields, and I am delighted to be working with them both.

“Aimee’s leadership in student learning and wellbeing, and Jen’s in research, innovation and employability strengthen Hallam’s reputation for our world-class applied research, quality education and fostering the kind of ambition and talent in our students that launches career success.”

Professor Smith Maguire is currently serving as the Interim Executive Dean of the College of Business, Technology and Engineering until her permanent role commences on 1 April 2026, with Professor Aubeeluck officially taking up her role from 1 June 2026.