Published on 09 March 2020
A senior academic from the University of Sunderland has been named as a leader in the field of innovation.
Professor Lynne McKenna, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Society, was named on the list of #NorthInnovationWomen.
The aim of the list is to highlight and recognise the excellence of female innovators working right across the North of England, as well as presenting a showcase of role models to women and girls thinking of working in or studying the many sectors where innovation is key.
Professor McKenna joined the University in 2015 as Head of the School of Education. Prior to this, she was Director of Initial Teacher Education in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at Northumbria University.
She said: “I am very proud to be included on this list, alongside so many inspirational women.”
“It is great to be recognised for working towards a gender balanced world. I am inspired on a daily basis by the wonderful inclusive staff and students I work with at the University of Sunderland.”
The list was published to coincide with International Women’s Day 2020.
The former teacher studied at The University of Sunderland and graduated with a BEd (Hons) in 1991, before starting her career in a primary school. Lynne went on to study for her M.Ed at Newcastle University and has an Ed.D from Durham University.
Professor McKenna is a member of the MillionPlus Deans of Education network who work with the DfE to develop policy and practice in initial teacher education. Lynne and colleagues at MillionPlus were recently successful in developing a policy change around the Skills Tests upon entry requirement for initial teacher students, ensuring that the responsibility for this transferred to providers of teacher education.
As a regional leader for #WomenEd, Lynne works to support female leaders in education to achieve senior leadership position and to be 10% braver.
Success has followed Lynne to Sunderland when the Guardian University League Tables 2020 ranked four education courses at the University as second in the UK.