Ascent One, Global. Donna Ball has joined Ascent One as director of business development, UK & Ireland. She brings extensive experience in international higher education across student recruitment, partnerships, and business development. Most recently senior partnerships director at Studyportals, Donna worked with universities to strengthen international recruitment and diversify student enrolments through market insight and evidence-based planning. She previously held senior recruitment and partnerships roles at the University of Nottingham, University of Derby, and De Montfort University. Donna said: “From my early conversations with the team, it was clear that Ascent One is focused on helping institutions build stronger, more effective international recruitment strategies. I’m excited to work with universities across the UK and Ireland to strengthen agent networks, identify new opportunities, and support sustainable growth.”