Loughborough University appoints Professor Nichola Callow as Pro Vice-Chancellor for education

UK's Loughborough University has appointed Professor Nichola Callow as its new Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, the university announced on Nov 2.

Callow will oversee the university's education portfolio, focusing on innovation in teaching and learning and supporting students in achieving their academic and personal goals. She joins Loughborough from Bangor University in Wales, where she currently serves as Pro Vice-Chancellor with responsibility for education and student experience.

At Bangor University, her portfolio includes education, student retention and progression, student experience, employability and academic input into student recruitment. Her experience in these areas is expected to inform her new role at Loughborough, where she will lead work related to the institution's education strategy and student outcomes.

Loughborough described Callow as an experienced higher education leader and internationally recognised sport psychologist, with a record of shaping academic strategy and improving student outcomes.

Professor Callow's academic and research background

Callow is a graduate of Bangor University, where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Psychology, a postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) in Outdoor Activities and Science, and a PhD in Sport Psychology. She was awarded a Personal Chair in 2012.

She has also worked as an accredited Sport and Exercise Psychologist through the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences. She was registered with the Health and Care Professions Council from 2009 to 2023 and has been a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist with the British Psychological Society for more than 20 years.

Her research focuses on sport psychology, particularly the role of imagery in performance, leadership, team dynamics and resilience. Her work has examined how psychological techniques can be used to improve athletic performance and has informed coaching practices at elite levels.

According to Loughborough, her research has also influenced the content of national coaching qualifications and contributed to strengthening coaching practices across the sector.

Loughborough's focus on education and student experience

Loughborough Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nick Jennings welcomed the appointment, highlighting Callow's experience in educational leadership and her understanding of the role of sport and wellbeing in education.

He said her record of enhancing the student experience would contribute to the university's efforts to provide students with a strong academic and campus experience.

Commenting on her appointment, Callow said she was looking forward to joining the university and working with staff and students to build on its existing strengths.

She also highlighted Loughborough's reputation for academic excellence, innovation and student experience, and said she hoped to help students receive the support needed to achieve their aspirations.

Loughborough has a strong profile in sport-related education and research. It was ranked the world's leading university for sports-related subjects in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for the tenth consecutive year. It also secured eighth place among 130 institutions in the Complete University Guide 2027.

Callow's appointment comes after the university began recruiting for a permanent Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience following the departure of Professor Sam Grogan in the summer of 2026. Professor Russ Marshall had been appointed to the position in an acting capacity while the recruitment process was under way.