New leadership appointment strengthens UEA's largest transnational education partnership
By: Communications
The University of East Anglia (UEA) will welcome a new Deputy Dean to its CUCN-UEA Digital Creativity Institute, to support the continued growth and success of its educational partnership in Nanjing, China.
Dr Rachelle Knowles will join the Joint Education Institute on 15 February 2027, providing strategic academic leadership for UEA's contribution to the partnership.
This appointment marks another significant milestone for the Institute, which was approved by China's Ministry of Education in December 2025 and welcomed its first cohort of more than 200 students in 2026.
The CUCN-UEA Digital Creativity Institute is a transnational education partnership between UEA and Communication University of China, Nanjing (CUCN), which focuses on preparing students for careers in the rapidly evolving creative industries by bringing together the interdisciplinary study of media, film, digital communications, creative technologies, artificial intelligence and computing.
As UEA-appointed Deputy Dean, Dr Knowles will work closely with the CUCN-appointed Dean to lead academic strategy, quality assurance, governance and staff management across UEA's activities within the Institute.
The role will serve as the principal academic link between the two universities, helping to ensure an outstanding student experience while supporting the long-term success and sustainability of the partnership.
Dr Rachelle Knowles, who is a senior leader in international higher education and transnational education, said: "Joining UEA at this pivotal moment in the institution’s transnational education journey is incredibly exciting.
"I’m looking forward to working with new colleagues on both sides of the dynamic CUCN-UEA partnership and supporting the next generation of creative digital storytellers."
Prof Catherine Richardson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at UEA, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming Rachelle at such an exciting stage in the development of the CUCN-UEA Digital Creativity Institute.
"Her extensive experience in international higher education and worldwide educational partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to build on the Institute's success and deliver the highest quality educational experience for students in Nanjing.
"The Institute is developing at a time when the relationship between AI and creativity is of intense interest, and Rachelle will guide our students to be transformational new voices in the future of global creative industries."
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