Two Lancaster University alumni, Professor Radka Newton (Exec MBA, 2016) and Jean Mutton (BA Hons Educational Research with Theatre Studies, Cartmel, 1978), are at the forefront of reimagining higher education with a bold new anthology, Transforming Higher Education with Human-Centred Design.

For Jean, Lancaster shaped both her academic interests and her confidence. Her degree in Educational Research with Theatre Studies gave her a deep understanding of the history, politics and sociology of education, which became the foundation of her career in higher education academic administration and management, starting in 1982. Time spent in the Nuffield Theatre also proved transformative, helping to build her self-esteem and equipping her with the confidence to present to audiences of hundreds later in her career.

Radka’s Lancaster story began decades later, as she pursued her Executive MBA at Lancaster University Management School while working as Head of Admissions. Determined to improve the applicant experience, she discovered service design as a powerful tool and reached out to her networks for guidance in this unfamiliar field. It was then that she came across an article by Jean, outlining a student registration project that had successfully used service design principles.

The two met online in 2015 and clicked straight away. Jean became a mentor to Radka, and what began as mentorship soon blossomed into a close partnership. Over the past decade, they have co-authored multiple articles, co-organised more than fifty events reaching over 300 educators worldwide, and now, together with co-editor Professor Michael Doherty, have co-edited Transforming Higher Education with Human-Centred Design. Many of Radka’s achievements — including being awarded her Personal Chair in 2023 in recognition of her pioneering work in service design — have been underpinned by Jean’s patient mentoring and steady guidance. At the same time, Jean has drawn fresh energy and new perspectives from working alongside Radka. Both say they have learned a great deal from one another, strengthening their friendship as well as their professional collaboration.

The book argues that while technology and policy often dominate higher education reform, the real transformation will come from putting people at the centre. “Higher education is at a crossroads,” says Radka. “To remain relevant, we must design experiences that are empathetic, inclusive, and grounded in the real needs of students and staff.”

Jean agrees, reflecting on her own Lancaster legacy: “University taught me how to research effectively, to challenge assumptions and think beyond my own field. That’s the true legacy of a Lancaster education.”

Together, Radka and Jean’s collaboration exemplifies the enduring impact of Lancaster – a place that not only shaped their individual journeys but also brought them together to help shape the future of higher education. You can visit the book website now!

Listen to Radka and Jean talking about the book on The Connected College Podcast with Elliot Felix