Acknowledgements
This book is the culmination of more than sixty years’ experience in different aspects of higher education. As such, it is all but impossible to list everyone we’ve met, or from whom we have drawn insight and inspiration. However, for Neil, it is important to acknowledge the many colleagues at the United Kingdom’s Science and Engineering Research Council, and its successor, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Anglia Ruskin University and Jesuit Worldwide Learning; for Fiona, the many colleagues in higher education institutions, organisations and associations around the world with whom she has worked over the years and who have always been a source of inspiration and innovation.
Many of the ideas presented here occurred to us while working as consultants with universities in Africa, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East. We can only hope that these colleagues learned from us as much as we did from them.
Two figures in particular have been key: first, Professor John Davies with whom Neil worked at Anglia Ruskin, and who was a member of Fiona’s supervisory team during her doctoral studies. We both worked with John on several projects with universities around the world on which we continued to learn from his experience. Second, we should thank Dr Richard Brosse, and his predecessors at Porticus, who have been kind enough to think of us when a variety of universities have needed assistance.
Finally, we’re grateful to those who encouraged us to write this text and who helped us to produce it. In this respect, the input of our ‘friendly’ readers, who were kind enough to offer their comments, observations and expertise on earlier drafts of the text, was invaluable.
Fiona writes…
If I am the consultant I am today, it is in large part thanks to Neil who mentored me through the early stages of developing my new professional identity. Thank you for the kind and insightful guidance, for your friendship and all the fun we have had together. A special thanks also for your technological wizardry, without which this book would never have seen the light of day. To Ursula, my sister-in-law, who has done more than illustrate this book; she has helped us understand our work in a different light and given it new expression.
And to Giovanni, who is always by my side, believing in me and encouraging me to go one step further in life every time.
Neil writes…
I am grateful for the time and patience of Fiona, whose experience and insight have done so much to give meaning to my often unfocused ramblings. Thanks too to her husband Giovanni who was kind enough to tolerate my lengthy visits as we produced the text of this book and brought it to fruition. Ursula’s work in giving coherence to my laughable attempts at drawing has been little short of miraculous.
Finally, my love and thanks to Leeanne. I really don’t know how or why she puts up with me.
