Role
Natalie Brown is the Deputy Dean of the Nottingham School of Art & Design at Nottingham Trent University. Previously, she held the role of Associate Dean at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London.
At Nottingham Trent University, Natalie led the articulation of the Educational Gain Model for NTU through a collaborative workshop approach with students and staff. She has also driven the Success for All Strategy to close the awarding gap within the School, conceiving and implementing impactful interventions such as Creative Changemakers, a design competition celebrating work that fosters community and belonging; The Student Voice Project, which amplifies and acts on typically marginalised voices; and The Power Up Project, designed to enhance student attendance and attainment by embedding coaching techniques in the curriculum.
Natalie is currently leading a QAA Collaborative Enhancement Project for Nottingham Trent University in partnership with the University of the Arts London, Norwich University of the Arts, and Liberty Fabrics. This initiative explores the capabilities and limitations of Generative AI within the design process, ultimately developing an online toolkit to support institutions in integrating GenAI into design learning and teaching.
Natalie is an Advance HE Principal Fellow recognised for her sustained record of effective strategic leadership of high-quality learning. Natalie also serves as Vice-Chair for the Group for Learning in Art and Design Higher Education, supporting colleagues across the Art, Design, and Media HE sector in sharing best practices and promoting Art and Design pedagogy. Additionally, she is a Lead Assessor for the Office for Students and is currently contributing to the QAA Advisory Group for the Art and Design Subject Benchmark review.
Career overview
Natalie Brown has a Masters degree in Digital Fashion and worked as a Printed Textile Designer in Germany, Paris and London selling her designs globally to both high street and designer brands. Prior to joining Nottingham Trent University, Natalie has worked at University of the Creative Arts (UCA) and at London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London (UAL).
Natalie provided effective academic, strategic and operational leadership initially as Programme Director for Performance, then as Associate Dean for the School of Media and Communication at UAL. In addition to developing innovative curriculum design at both undergraduate and postgraduate level, Natalie has implemented significant change in order to improve the student experience.