Biography

Jo has over 40 years of Higher Education learning and teaching in the UK and Europe.  She graduated from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST - now part of Cardiff University) with a BSc. (Hons) and Ph.D. in Mathematics.  Following ten years lecturing in Mathematics and Computing in UK Further Education Colleges, Jo returned to Higher Education in 1997 as Senior Lecturer in Information Technology at the University of Worcester. Whilst there, she successfully developed the recruitment to and curriculum of the Swedish Double Degree programme, linking with Halmstad University, Sweden as a part-time lecturer since 1999 - an association that she developed further since 2018 as Guest Professor in Digital Learning.

In 2002, she progressed to Aston University as Associate Director of Combined Honours, developing transition-to-HE and on-course learning initiatives and student placement positions within the department. From March 2007, Jo took an 18 month secondment, working on a HEFCE funded national UK initiative which successfully strengthened collaborative links between JISC and the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE). In September 2008, Jo was appointed Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) in Newport Business School, University of Wales, Newport, focusing on quality assurance and enhancement approaches to maximise the quality of student learning experiences. In August 2011, she became Director of CELT (Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching) at the University of Wales, Newport later becoming the Head of Flexible Development and Student Success (2013-2015) and the Director of USW Online (2015-2018) at the University of South Wales, working with Faculties and Corporate Departments to progress learning through distance and online approaches.  In 2018, Jo achieved her longstanding ambition of establishing a consultancy focused on online and flexible learning (JKS Enterprise).  In an ongoing era of flexible and blended delivery, this successful venture focuses on various distance and online delivery projects with partners in the UK and Europe to participate virtually and in-person in teaching and research activities. 

From an award perspective, in 2011, Jo was awarded a University of Wales Teaching Fellowship followed by the award of University Fellow.  In January 2012, she joined the QAA advisory group on learning and teaching supporting the development of the new UK Quality Code for Higher Education and in 2014, Jo was a member of the HEFCW Advisory Group for Learning Through Technology advising on strategy.  In December 2014, Jo became Professor in Learning Innovation at the University of South Wales - the first member of staff to achieve this status through the learning and teaching pathway.  In 2022, Jo was nominated for an Excellent in Teaching Award at Cardiff University and in 2024, she was awarded an Excellence in Teaching Award by LifeLong Learning at Cardiff University, reflecting her support and promotion of learning at all levels.

Aside from academic work, between 1974-1985, Jo played tennis at county level for Yorkshire, achieving junior and senior colours with several best performance awards, and played at national (England B) level on four occasions, captaining the team twice.  In 2024, reflecting her international and senior county achievements, she was invited to become part of the Yorkshire Tennis Hall of Fame.  During her competitive playing days, Jo won several junior and senior tournaments in singles and doubles, including the 1981 UK University Athletic Union (UAU) Championships in tennis while at UWIST.   An accomplished musician with grade 8 on piano (distinction) and flute, she maintains active engagement in music, sport and keeping fit.