University of St Mark & St John

Ms Karen Cook:  Acting Principal

Karen graduated with a degree in Business from the University of Plymouth in 1985 and then trained in accountancy whilst undertaking a variety of management accounting roles in the private sector. In 1993 she entered the education sector as Director of Finance and Administration at Plymouth College of Art and in 2000 moved to Somerset College as Vice Principal. During her time in the FE sector Karen was Vice Chair of the National Colleges Finance Directors Group and sat on various government working groups advising on policy matters in post-16 education.  Cementing her interest in the education sector she undertook an MBA (Education) and since joining the University College in 2007 has commenced study for a doctorate in education with Exeter University.

As Deputy Principal Karen is responsible for the oversight of the development and delivery of the University College strategic objectives and has direct responsibility for the management of the University College's major resources functions including Finance, Information and Planning, Estates and Facilities, Human Resources, Marketing and Communications, Information Technology, Library and Registry Services. Karen chairs a number of key internal committees and is a member of the Exectutive Management Group.

Dr Malcolm Findlay:  Director of Academic & External Affairs

Malcolm joined University College Plymouth St Mark & St John in 2012, prior to which he had been Associate Dean of University of Plymouth Colleges Faculty. He holds the degrees of BSc, MSc and PhD, in addition to a number of professional qualifications gained during fifteen years in industry prior to entering Higher Education.  In the course of his academic career, Malcolm has gained research funding from a variety of sources including the European Commission, UK Government Agencies and private companies, and has published in a number of leading academic journals. He has developed innovative HE programmes and has extensive experience in managing academic partnerships.

Malcolm’s role as Director of Academic and External Affairs involves oversight of Quality Assurance, Research and Scholarship, International Collaborations, Employer Engagement and Student Support. He chairs a range of Committees relevant to these functions and contributes to the strategic direction of the University College through membership of the Executive Management Group.  

Dr Ian Luke:  Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Welfare

After gaining his first class (Hons) degree, and his Post Graduate Certificate of Education from Loughborough University, he gained a scholarship from the same Institution to complete his doctoral studies. The focus of his research was the development of pupils’ metacognitive ability in secondary school physical education. Ian has presented his work regionally, nationally and internationally with current research interests including the learning processes, assessment, and coach education. Ian taught both in the UK and in Australia before entering Higher Education; he worked at the University of Bath before moving to the University College Plymouth St Mark & St John. Ian is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Health and Welfare, at the Institution. Ian has a strong sporting background having represented Great Britain in Sports Acrobatics at senior level for several years, winning both World and European medals.

Dr Sam Peach:  Dean of the Faculty of Sport, Media Arts and Management 

Sam Peach gained a first class BA(Ed) degree with Qualified Teacher status form the University of Exeter in Secondary Physical Education and Mathematics. After having taught at Priory Secondary School in Exeter, Sam went on to gain an MPhil in sport psychology and joined UCP Marjon as a lecturer in Physical Education and Sports Science. 

She has worked her way up through the institution and now holds the position of Dean of the Faculty of Sport, Media and Creative Arts at UCP Marjon. As Dean, Sam is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of the Faculty and as a member of the Exectuve Management Group contributes to the strategic direction of the institution .

She completed her EdD at the University of Exeter in which her doctoral thesis and subsequent research interests have focused on the Higher Education Curriculum.

Sam has a strong sporting background as both a player and coach. She represented Great Britain in the World Student Games in 1991 for tennis and has played and coached hockey at county, regional and national level.