12 January 2022
Over the many years with us, Alan made significant contributions to our International Business teaching programmes. His various roles as the Undergraduate Programme Director, Senior Director of Studies, Personal Tutor, Associate Dean in the College, and more recently as Convenor of the Undergraduate Board of Examiners are testament to his widely recognised experience, knowledge, and insight.
Many of our students may remember Alan as the long-standing Director of the Undergraduate Exchange Programme. Under his leadership the programme expanded rapidly, more than doubling in size since its inception, due to student demand. Alan loved to travel and engage with different cultures, and was wonderful in dealing with exchange partners and students.
His office was adorned with maps, postcards, and souvenirs from the many places he visited. In particular, he took great joy in travelling with students to international case study competitions all over the world. Students loved Alan's witty nature in his teaching, where he captivated them with his many interesting stories and anecdotes. We know that many students (past and present) will be incredibly saddened to hear of his loss.
We too, as colleagues, have fond memories of Alan, whose sense of humour and good spirit shone through with regular appearances as 'Quiz Master and DJ' in our School socials. Alan was a huge Elvis fan, and would always finish the night with one of his favourite tracks. Many of us will now think of Alan when we hear "Suspicious Minds" play on the radio.
Alan’s commitment to the School and teaching will endure. He was creative, inventive, resourceful, and enthusiastic, with many of his ideas being implemented and adopted by others. Throughout the decades, Alan was a welcoming and supportive colleague, and a fountain of Business School knowledge and wisdom. Colleagues recount his extreme kindness and generosity, and many turned to him regularly for advice and wise counsel. In his many roles, Alan was principled and professional, but he was always quick to provide light relief when needed.
We shall all greatly miss Alan, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.