Interview with Head of School Kirsty Miller

Before joining the University of Lincoln, Kirsty Miller earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Whales. She then moved to Lancaster University and worked as a research assistant. During her time here, she completed her PhD titled ‘The Relationships between the Hands in Bimanual Aiming’.

Kirsty began working at Lincoln University in 2007 as a lecturer. Over the years, she has had many roles, such as School Director of Teaching and Learning, and College Board of Studies. This has now led her to be Head of School, interested in programme development.

I got the pleasure of meeting with Kirsty to find out more about her amazing journey, her advice, and so much more. This article with explore everything i discovered!

What roles has Kirsty had at the University?
Asformentioned, Kirsty started her journey at the University as a lecturer; she then became a senior lecturer and principal lecturer. She went on to become Depty Head and then the Head of School. She has also been programme lead, student engagement lead, and director of teaching and learning. Kirsty often finds herself on the student-facing side of roles and favoured being the student engagement lead.

FUN FACT!!!
Interestingly, while Kirsty was the student engagement lead, Digipsych was created.

Why did Kirsty Want to work at the University of Lincoln?
When Kirsty began working at the University, she had just moved back to Lincoln with her eldest, and as she said in our interview, “Proximity is a beautiful thing”. This allowed her to travel easily and have family connections.

However, the University itself is what kept her working at Lincoln for 17 years. Kirsty stated the University of Lincoln is focused on ‘student partnership; students are the focus of why we are here”. She went on to discuss how theirs always a possibility at the university for new things.

FUN FACT!!
Kirsty created and put in place Peer Mentoring and the student conference.

What is your favourite part about being Head of School?
Kirsty’s favourite part about being Head of School is contributing to the development of staff and students. Throughout our interview, I saw this as a key theme from Kirsty. She is passionate about helping people grow to the best of their ability. Furthermore, ways in which she helps people develop is by lifting barriers, protecting them occasionally, and helping them see success in whatever form it appears.

What does a day in the life of a head of school look like?
“There’s a lot of paperwork, a lot of emails, and a lot of meetings!”. At the time of the interview, Kirsty was also teaching character strengths; this is a second-year elective module. She also has a thesis student and a few PhD students.

Despite Kirstys busy schedule she trys to keep mornings for more creative expereinces, such as meetings or teaching.

FUN FACT!!
Kirsty is a morning person

What field of psychology is Kirsty interested in?
Interestingly, Kirsty’s PhD was in motor development, focusing on our movements, how we bring together a vision, and how we integrate information to move around the world. An example used in our interview was how ‘you can go to a bar and pick up two drinks without having to think about it.”

However, over time, it has been more difficult for Kirsty to prioritise this research focus, and therefore, she is now most excited when looking at elements around student success. In particular, how we engage students, how we create a sense of belonging, and what we can do to make it easier for students to engage and succeed.

Currently, Kirsty and her team have two large projects investigating elements around students’ success. Their first project concerns academic achievement; within this study, they explore students’ expectations, how students feel around assessments and different measures around self-determination. Their second project is focused on grading and its impact. This is investigated through questionnaires sent to students.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing students and staff develop and change. In the past, Kirsty had a student who suffered from homesickness; in the first year, they set aims such as “just see if you can make it another week before you go home for a visit”. During this time, they focused on supporting this individual, for example, how they could form different groups. Seeing this student graduating, with her family there and seeing how far this student grew is amazing.

Have there been any memorable experiences with staff and students over the years?
There was a previous student of Kirsty’s who aimed to do clinical psychology but disliked children. However, after being a research assistant on a study Kirsty was doing at the summer scientist event. When this student finished this role, they were considering working with children. This is an example of why you should always try to keep an open mind; you never know what you may like.

Over Kirsty’s time at the university, she has seen the growth of the school, which started as a psychology department, with 150 students compared to 330. Kirsty has watched staff start and grow at the University of Lincoln. Seeing the success of her staff, for example, when they become professors, is something she treasures.

What advice would you give students struggling with motivation when studying for exams?
“Revisit why you are doing it in the first place; it is really easy to get caught up, so remember why you are doing psychology”

“Consider this is only one part of everything, it is not the deciding factor of everything. Look for the bigger picture.”

“Think back to when you have shown the abilitys to what to use”

Study tip for Kirsty!!
Breaks are key when making sure information is going into your brain.

“What advice would you give to third years moving on to the next stage of their lives.”
Kirsty’s key message to third years is to “explore” and look at roles, even ones you don’t initially think of. Also, embrace all the university’s opportunities, such as alumni events.