Contact
Email Professor Kenneth McDowall's Executive Assistant Ruth Smith: R.C.Smith@leeds.ac.uk
About
As Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Student Education and Experience, Professor Kenneth McDowall brings extensive expertise in education, research, and strategic leadership to the University’s Executive.
He previously served as University Dean for Portfolio and Curriculum and as Academic Lead for Curriculum Redefined, our flagship initiative to enhance teaching and learning.
In these roles, he played a key part in delivering the University’s educational strategy, focusing on developing a market-informed portfolio, improving curricula, driving pedagogical innovation, and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for all students.
His leadership has significantly impacted the effectiveness, development, and long-term sustainability of student education at Leeds.
Before this, Professor McDowall was the Pro-Dean for Student Education in the Faculty of Biological Sciences, where he spearheaded transformative initiatives to improve academic programmes and student outcomes.
He was a principal architect of the Faculty’s ‘FBS Refresh’ change programme, a major curriculum review that refocused teaching and research around areas of strength to enhance academic and financial sustainability.
Professor McDowall joined Leeds as a Royal Society University Research Fellow, following postdoctoral research at Stanford University supported by a prestigious fellowship from NATO.
He began his academic career with a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Edinburgh, followed by a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Glasgow.