Dean of Creative Education Awarded Prestigious Principal Fellowship from Advance HE

The University is delighted to announce that Hilary Carlisle, Dean of Creative Education and Professor of Design, has been awarded Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA) by Advance HE—the highest category of professional recognition for teaching and learning leadership in higher education.

Principal Fellowship is an internationally recognised distinction, awarded to senior leaders who demonstrate sustained strategic influence on teaching excellence, student learning, and educational culture. It recognises those whose impact extends beyond their own institution, shaping educational practice, policy, and innovation at national and international levels.

Advance HE is a member-led charitable organisation that works in partnership with higher education providers worldwide to strengthen the quality and impact of higher education for staff, students, and society, with a particular focus on teaching excellence, leadership and governance, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Hilary’s successful application reflects her long-standing commitment to inclusive, student-centred education and her leadership in embedding high-quality teaching practice across creative disciplines. The Fellowship recognises not only her personal achievements, but also the measurable impact of her leadership on teaching quality, curriculum development, and staff practice across Norwich University of the Arts.

Reflecting on the award, Hilary said:

“I am honoured to receive Principal Fellowship from Advance HE and grateful to colleagues who have supported this work. This recognition affirms the importance of great teaching and strong leadership in teaching, and reflects a shared commitment to enhancing student learning. I am excited about the opportunities this Fellowship creates to further support colleagues, strengthen teaching excellence across Norwich University of the Arts, and contribute to wider conversations shaping the future of higher education.” 

That influence can be seen in a range of initiatives through which Hilary has championed learning and worked closely with colleagues to strengthen teaching practice, reflecting a shared commitment to professionalism and excellence in higher education, including:

• Leading the development of the University’s Creative Learning Strategy, articulating Norwich University of the Arts’ distinctive creative pedagogy and providing a shared framework that connects creative practice, research, and innovation through collaboration, interdisciplinary working, and critical thinking.
• Leading Norwich University of the Arts’ successful bid to host the ELIA Academy 2027, positioning the University as a convenor of international dialogue on creative education, pedagogic exchange, and the future of arts education, in collaboration with the European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA).
• Playing a pivotal role in securing the University’s Triple Gold TEF outcome through strategic leadership and pedagogic vision, reflecting sustained excellence in teaching, learning environment, and student outcomes. As the only specialist creative arts institution to achieve this level of recognition, the award highlights the University’s success in embedding critical creativity, collaboration, and innovation throughout the student journey.

As a Principal Fellow, Hilary joins a global network of senior academic leaders who are shaping the future of learning and teaching across the sector. The Fellowship offers a platform for collaboration, influence, and the sharing of expertise, ensuring that teaching excellence continues to be recognised, developed, and rewarded.