Dr Elisabeth Grindel-Denby shares her story, from being a Lancaster PhD student to becoming Lancaster University Leipzig’s Campus Director.

September 2003. An Erasmus student from Germany had just arrived at Lancaster University.

“It was sunny! I remember sitting on the steps in Alexandra Square, thinking ‘the weather is not that bad.’”

Dr Elisabeth Grindel-Denby laughs as she remembers the moment. Inevitably, the sun disappeared behind a cloud, and she now knows that the covered walkways across Bailrigg campus are there with good reason. But in 2003 she was in the early stages of what would turn out to be a long and meaningful relationship with Lancaster University.

“I was first on a six-month Erasmus study exchange and from April 2004 on a six-month placement as a Research Associate, doing a research project on the experiences of international students at Lancaster University. Then I went on to do a comparison study in Germany,” she explains.

Elli, as she prefers to be known, spent the next two years back at Potsdam University in Germany, before returning to the UK where she immersed herself in life at Lancaster.

“I came back to do my PhD in Sociology, looking at partners of international students. I also worked as a Postgraduate Tutor, in the Student Registry, and also as the Deputy Bar Manager in the Gregson Community Centre!”

In 2011 an opportunity came up and Elli moved on to Nottingham Trent International College where she became Academic Director, later returning again to Germany to become Director of Academic Affairs & Head of Campus Berlin at GISMA Business School.

Throughout her career, Elli has built experience in curriculum design, developing academic partnerships, and effective student support. But, Lancaster had made a permanent impact on her life.

“I really enjoyed living in Lancaster,” says Elli, “it's a very familiar place. My children’s Godparents live in Lancaster, my husband’s best man lives there. We have a close emotional bond with the university and the city.”

When Lancaster and Navitas established a Leipzig campus, it needed a Campus Director. The ideal candidate was someone with a deep understanding of Lancaster University, international students, and how to effectively run a campus in Germany.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Elli was appointed Campus Director in August 2019. She, along with her husband, also a Lancaster University alumnus, two children and the dog are now settling in to life in Leipzig.

She says, “Leipzig is a wonderful city with a lot of charm. It's really cool, open and welcoming. The city has embraced Lancaster University with open arms.”

In January, Lancaster University Leipzig welcomed its first students across two International Foundation programmes preparing them for the start of four BSc (Hons) programmes in September.

Elli explains, “We have been focussing on ensuring support systems are set up and that there is good exchange between the partners. Lancaster is a lovely community. We are bringing some of the Lancaster spirit to Leipzig.

“My history with Lancaster helps me because I understand the mission and vision of Lancaster University. I have studied international students so I knew what support structures were needed for the university. I understand the UK educational system for having been part of it, as well as the German system. I feel like I can be a good cultural intermediate.”

After reflecting on her unique career and the unique role she now holds, Elli shares one final thought: “If you go to the Gregson tonight, say hi and have a drink for me!”

To find out more about Lancaster University Leipzig, go to lancasteruniversityleipzig.com