Leading the Charge: A Year of Innovation with BUV’s Dean (Higher Education) – Associate Professor Jason MacVaugh

Drawing from a successful career in academic management at esteemed UK institutions, Associate Professor Jason MacVaugh brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to his role as Dean at BUV. With one year under his belt, Jason’s tenure has been marked by a dynamic blend of expertise and innovation, propelling BUV toward new heights of academic excellence.  

Leadership in Academic Growth and Innovation  

With a background in academic management from renowned UK institutions including University of Liverpool, University of East Anglia, Assoc. Professor Jason MacVaugh has brought a fresh perspective and strategic vision to his role as Dean (Higher Education) at British University Vietnam (BUV). His leadership has ushered in a period of remarkable growth and innovation. 

Assoc. Professor Jason MacVaugh delivering a speech at a BUV event

Together with the team, he has helped spearhead initiatives to introduce six new degree programmes and establish three new UK university partnerships on our campus in the academic year 2024 – 2025. Other initiatives undertaken have included increasing the quantity and quality of research outputs and formulating a new Academic Promotions Policy.  

Additionally, a revalidation process was conducted for 12 revised degrees, alongside efforts to bolster teaching and learning through meetings with UK partners.  

By expanding BUV’s academic offerings and forging new partnerships, MacVaugh and his team have substantially enriched the educational experience, broadened opportunities for students, and further elevated the University’s global reputation. 

By embracing the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in classrooms and assignments, he has ensured that BUV remains at the forefront of educational technology, enhancing learning outcomes while maintaining academic rigour.  

Central to his leadership was the re-development of a cutting-edge Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing students with seamless access to course materials and collaborative tools, transcending geographical barriers and facilitating anytime, anywhere learning. 

Under Jason MacVaugh’s academic direction in the last 12 months, BUV has welcomed 11 new faculty members with PhDs, bringing diverse international academic perspectives to the institution. Of particular note, the number of female academics has doubled with an increase to 14, reflecting a commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity.  

Additionally, 5 existing faculty members have since embarked on doctoral programs, while 2 others pursued Master of Research degrees, improving the excellence of the teaching team at BUV.  

Professor Rick Bennett – BUV Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (far left) and Assoc. Professor Jason MacVaugh (far right) on the Nationwide Scholarship Award Ceremony

Under his guidance, the University has witnessed other significant academic advancements, notably the refinement and implementation of the seven Graduate Attributes including Empathetic and Ethical, Confident and Professional, Collaborative, Innovative Problem Solvers, Sustainability Mindset, Lifelong Learners, and Career Ready. These attributes serve as guiding principles, crafted to equip students with the essential skills and competencies needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. 

Cultivate a Dynamic Intellectual Environment 

Jason MacVaugh’s tenure as Dean (Higher Education) at BUV has been characterised by a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in education. However, the decision to transition his career from the UK to Vietnam to join BUV may raise eyebrows at first glance. After all, he left behind high-level leadership positions at renowned educational institutions in the UK, which could be considered as the “comfort zone” of his career, to embark on an entirely new journey. 

But looking back after a year, Jason sees this as a wise and “easy” decision in his career path, “BUV represents something very different, a new University with huge potential for growth in a vibrant and beautiful part of the world. It’s a challenge and a project at the same time – one that inspires me every day”, Jason shared.  

By strategically adding fresh talent to the academic community, he aimed to enrich interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivate a dynamic intellectual environment. “Find one (or more) projects at BUV that get you up in the morning and help us make students successful!” The Dean encouraged and inspired the faculty to continuously identify projects aligned with their interests and expertise. 

Drawing upon his experiences in the UK, he implemented various teaching and learning initiatives aimed at enhancing student engagement and pedagogical efficacy. These initiatives included ‘live’ assessments, peer observation of teaching sessions, and the integration of innovative tools like Padlet, empowering students to actively participate in their learning journey.  

Furthermore, Jason MacVaugh championed collaboration and innovation within the University, fostering partnerships and driving interdisciplinary research initiatives. His dedication to empowering students for success is evident in the tailored support programs, mentorship initiatives, and experiential learning opportunities he implemented, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to society.  

“Our new Dean (Higher Education) has brought excellent experience and knowledge to the University which is very apparent within Jason’s first 12 months. I have been particularly impressed with how quickly he adapted to a new country and a new work environment. He really has ‘hit the ground running’ (no pun intended!) and made significant contributions to raise the academic quality at BUV to very impressive levels. It’s always particularly wonderful when a new senior member of the team settles in and contributes so much so quickly.” Professor Rick Bennett – BUV Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President shared.  

Assoc. Professor Jason MacVaugh is passionate about outdoor activities and Vietnamese culture

Open to Diverse Experiences 

Apart from academic continuous improvement, Assoc. Professor Jason MacVaugh also enjoys a vibrant and colourful life immersed in Vietnamese culture, particularly running marathons and investigating cultural fabric.  

Embracing an active lifestyle, Jason finds solace and rejuvenation in the rhythm of his strides on the marathon course, pushing his physical boundaries while nourishing his mental well-being. His love for running not only exemplifies discipline and perseverance but also serves as a source of inspiration for those around him.  

Moreover, Jason’s fascination with Vietnamese culture reflects his curiosity and openness to diverse experiences, “Immersing myself in the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s traditions, cuisine, and heritage, I seek to deepen my understanding of the country’s cultural fabric”, Jason imparted.  

Over the past 12 months, Jason’s dedication and hard work have begun to yield the first fruits for the faculty and students at BUV. Jason’s unwavering dedication has set a solid foundation for future achievements at BUV, promising even greater success ahead.