Sir Steve Smith appointed to prestigious new government role
Sir Steve Smith, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Exeter, has been appointed to a new UK government role as International Education Champion. The role starts in September 2020 and is considered highly prestigious.
As a Champion of International Education, Sir Steve will have a prominent role in a strategy aiming to increase the number of international students coming to the UK to pursue higher education. The aim is to reach 600,000 students and generate 35 billion per year in educational exports.
Steve Smith is the right person at the right time – golden ages don’t have to be in the past.
The role involves collaborating with organisations in various areas of the education sector, from early years schooling providers, schools and universities to the EdTech industry and vocational training. On a global scale, this means targeting certain priority regions and promoting the UK as a partner of choice in international education.
Sir Michael Barber, Chair of the Office for Students, said “Steve Smith is the right person at the right time – golden ages don’t have to be in the past.”
Sir Steve’s knowledge and connections globally will aid the creation of long-term relationships with various governments and international stakeholders. This will be essential for the UK’s economic recovery after the Covid-19 crisis.
The appointment is an achievement that both Sir Steve Smith and the University of Exeter can be proud of.
Editor: Ella Shadwell