NMITE appoints first Head of Learning and Teaching as it expands engineering model
Dr Richard Lillington joins from Aston University to lead curriculum and assessment as NMITE scales its work-ready engineering approach.
NMITE has appointed Dr Richard Lillington as Professor in Engineering and its first Head of Learning and Teaching, adding a new senior academic post as the institution develops its engineering higher education model.
NMITE positions itself as an alternative model of engineering higher education focused on developing work-ready engineers and technology innovation talent, with a curriculum built around real-world challenges and broader interpersonal skills.
Lillington joins in January 2026 from Aston University, where he serves as Senior Teaching Fellow in the College of Engineering and Physics. He previously leads teaching in Mechanical Engineering at Warwick University and has industry experience in aerospace and automotive.
New senior post signals focus on curriculum and academic standards
The Head of Learning and Teaching role is responsible for education quality, curriculum development, and assessment, alongside leading teaching staff and implementing education strategy.
At NMITE, the institution says Lillington will focus on continuous improvement and academic standards, with an emphasis on keeping teaching aligned to current needs.
Dr Richard Lillington says: “NMITE is a trailblazer, and I am delighted to be joining an institution that is proving that engineering education can be done better. I believe 100% in the transformational power of education. Universities produce amazing engineers but sometimes they are not as confident or hands on as they could be – great at maths but not at solving real-world problems. This is where NMITE comes in and I look forward to playing a part in its future plans.”
Leadership hire links academic delivery with industry experience
NMITE says Lillington’s mix of academic leadership and industry background is a key factor in the appointment. The institution adds that the role will support delivery across teaching teams, with the intended impact on student outcomes.
James Newby, President & CEO of NMITE, says: “While Richard’s focus will be on supporting our academic team to deliver the best job they can do, the ultimate beneficiaries will be our students. He brings with him many years of leadership experience in both academia and industry, and is a passionate advocate of authentic, hands-on engineering education that equips graduates for their future careers. He understands our model and passionately believes in what we are delivering.”
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