TWO new professors have joined an agricultural university in newly created roles.

These roles at the Royal Agricultural University include Dean of Land and Property Management and Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Practice. 

Duncan Westbury and Olivier Sparagano joined the Gloucestershire University last year and have now taken on these new titles. 

Proffesor Westbury is Dean of Land and Property Management. He said: “As a Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, my research interests fit perfectly with the RAU’s aspiration to be the global University for sustainable farming and land management.

"This role presents a wonderful new challenge and a great opportunity to make a difference and be part of the RAU’s future.

“In my new role as the Dean, not only do I look forward to engaging with more research into the sustainable production of food, but also helping to ensure our degree programmes continue to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experiences enabling them to also have impactful and rewarding careers.”

Professor Sparagano is now Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Practice. 

He said he was 'delighted' with the role. 

"I will focus on further developing a new curriculum in Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, and Equine Studies, bringing state-of-the-art teaching methodologies and modern practices in our classrooms," he added. 

“As the new Dean of Agricultural Sciences and Practice, I take pride in our farming networks, and our national and international partnerships, while we keep at heart the student experience to integrate them better in modern agriculture-related systems and increase their employability and long-life skills.”

The two new Deans will work closely with Professor David Main, the RAU’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic Planning and Resources.

He said: “We are delighted to welcome Duncan and Olivier to the RAU to provide the academic leadership for our two critical disciplines of Agricultural Science and Practice and Land and Property Management. 

“Their wealth of academic, practical, and leadership experience will help us deliver on our mission of equipping the next generation with the skills to address the global imperatives of supporting sustainable agriculture, resilient food systems, and climate action.”