On the afternoon of 20th March 2026, Professor Laura Bishop, Executive Dean of SBC, hosted an academic staff meeting for the new semester in the College’s Tea Room to introduce herself, update colleagues on the College’s recent achievements, and outline key priorities for 2026. The meeting was attended by SBC academic staff and heads of internal departments.
Professor Laura Bishop hosted the meeting
Drawing on her extensive experience in research, international education and academic administration, Professor Bishop reflected on her time at SBC and highlighted the College’s recent progress in areas including graduate outcomes, teaching and learning, scientific research, faculty development, international accreditations, and global engagement. She expressed her appreciation for the collective efforts of staff and students, and offered a thoughtful analysis of the opportunities and challenges ahead.
As SBC approaches its 20th anniversary, Professor Bishop reaffirmed the College’s commitment to leveraging the unique advantages of its “1-to-N” consortium model while maintaining a sharp focus on internationalisation. She called for stronger engagement with UK partner universities, the introduction of both undergraduate and postgraduate taught provision, enhanced research capacity, and a sustained commitment to academic excellence. She also encouraged all staff to support students in building meaningful connections with the UK throughout their academic journey.
During the Q&A session, staff raised questions on programme development, teaching and learning, and international partnerships. Professor Bishop responded thoughtfully to each, in a dialogue that reflected a shared commitment to the College’s growth.
Looking ahead, SBC will build on the momentum of this meeting to further elevate its international profile and contribute to the long-term strategic development of USST.
Discussion session
