Dr Kim Coogan is a Lecturer of Business with a focus on organisational behaviour, leadership, and human resource management at the University of Sunderland in London. She holds a PhD and her research sits at the heart of contemporary employment relations, examining the complexities of the employee-employer relationship and the expectations, obligations, and experiences that shape how people make sense of their working lives within organisations.
Kim's work also examines the individual-level capitals that young people bring from higher education into their first year of employment, including knowledge, skills, identity and connections, and what organisations can do to support that transition. This research speaks directly to questions of graduate preparation and institutional responsibility.
A seasoned academic with experience working in education-related contexts spanning Ireland, the US, the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia and the UK, Kim brings a rich international perspective to her work and to this role. Kim’s experience of working with and within universities extends well beyond her academic role. She has served as executive assistant to the director of an international education charity and as head teacher and programme manager leading a complex, multi-site educational programme delivered across several university partners simultaneously.
Kim was elected by her colleagues as Staff Representative for the University of Sunderland in London on the Board of Governors and joined the Board in 2026.