Cathy is currently the Interim Academic Registrar at the University of Cumbria where she has responsibility for quality and standards, apprenticeships, collaborative provision, admissions, programme administration, assessment, awards and student procedures. Previously, Cathy was Interim Academic Registrar and Director of Student & Academic Services at the University of Bradford where she was a member of the Executive Board with responsibility for Registry and Student Administration.

Cathy has worked in the University sector for nearly 30 years. Prior to taking on interim roles, she was a member of the Senior Management Team at Canterbury Christ Church University where she was the strategic lead for all aspects of planning and academic administration for 5 years.  She led cross-institutional projects which included the streamlining of administrative processes for students and staff, enhancements to registration and timetabling, and the implementation of a new student records system for admissions.

Before moving to Canterbury, Cathy was Director of Student & Academic Services at Edinburgh Napier University, where she led student-facing services from initial enquiry through to graduation and beyond. Prior to that she was at Oxford Brookes University, where she provided leadership to the Strategic Planning Group covering planning, market research, recruitment, widening participation, partnerships and reception services. 

Cathy has gained significant experience of both the successes and challenges associated with effective change management. She has undertaken major organisational structural reviews and led a major strategic initiative to implement a new student record system to streamline, standardise and simplify business processes. Cathy has extensive experience of staff management at a senior level including recruitment, engagement, well-being and performance management. She managed the transformation of staff working practices arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cathy completed a first degree at the University of Bristol and holds an MSc in Management from Edinburgh Napier University.