Arden University, UK. Professor Brian Smith has started a new role as deputy provost at Arden University, a UK-based provider of flexible, online and blended learning. Bringing more than three decades of experience, Brian has been awarded the Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellow for excellence in developing inspiring and innovative new learning and teaching models in global higher education. This work was core to his PhD to understand learner behaviour and ontological needs in the classroom, blended and online learning. Brian has authored several publications throughout his career and holds the title of Advance HE Principal Fellow, and Accreditor status for reviewing fellowships. Brian commented: “Education is a gift of life – it is not just about learning for good grades, but about how we can apply it to continually develop and grow both personally and professionally. This is something I am deeply passionate about, and it is integrated within Arden University.”