Hannah Critchley, Student Success Manager

I first joined the Student Success Team in 2022 as a Student Success Officer, and I can honestly say, I think I have the best job in the world! I am inspired by the power of coaching and love facilitating space for people to reflect and grow in a way that’s aligned with their personal values and aspirations.

I feel incredibly grateful to now lead this amazing team as Student Success Manager. It’s a real privilege to support such dedicated colleagues, and to continue championing the journeys of our students as they work toward their own versions of success.

Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me with family and friends, enjoying a spin class, going for a walk, or getting completely lost in a good book!

Kate Usher, Student Success Officer

I joined Lancaster University in 2013 after previous careers in secondary school teaching, export sales, and marketing. I have been a Student Success Coach since March 2020 and I love my job! My passion is to enable students to get the very best out of their university experience and to connect with others in a mutually supportive way. I enjoy finding out what makes each individual student tick and supporting them to work towards their personal goals, whether that is finding a dream placement, developing good revision techniques or starting a new pastime. The self-confidence which emerges in students through reflecting on and learning from all experiences is inspiring!

When not working, you’ll usually find me doing outdoorsy activities such as paddle boarding and cycling.

Beth Kendrick, Student Success Officer

I first joined Lancaster University in 2016 and have worked as part of the wider delivery team on the Lancaster Success Programme since 2021. I am happy to have now joined the team as a Student Success Officer. I am passionate about coaching students to realise their full potential and I enjoy getting to know each student’s values and how these feed into their personal goals. I want to help each student get the most out of their time at University and achieve whatever their version of success looks like. In my spare time I am a (very amateur) musician and enjoy walking up hills with dogs and watching live music.

Alex Hackett-Evans, Student Success Officer

After graduating from Lancaster, I decided I’d like to stick around and began working for the university in 2021. I joined the Student Success Team in early 2023, and take great joy in supporting students to build the student life they want, both academically and in their social life, and in achieving their personal goals.

Outside my job I spend as much time outdoors as I can, I love hill walking, climbing, mountaineering and cycling. I also love to travel, both adventuring around the UK and further afield.

Henry Blackburn, Student Success Officer

I'm Henry, one of the Student Success Officers in the Student Success Team. From my own experience, I know that success comes from a place of belonging. As a Student Success Coach, I aim to build inclusive spaces where students can be their authentic selves. My approach typically includes creative, interactive coaching techniques that empower students to tackle their goals, develop lasting skills, and genuinely enjoy the process.

Hannah Calvert, Student Success Assistant

Whilst finishing my Masters degree at the University of Leeds in 2022, I begun working at Lancaster in the Wellbeing Services. Now having joined the Student Success Team in March 2025, I absolutely love seeing how the LSP is really making a positive difference to students time at University.

My day-to-day duties involve answering student queries and helping facilitate various events and projects aimed at LSP students. I will be happy to help you! I am passionate about social mobility and educational equality, and I hope to bring my own experience as a student from an economically disadvantaged background to the programme.

In my spare time you'll find me playing on my Switch, walking my dog, junk journaling, or seeing my friends!