Dr Sarah Rawlinson joined the University of Northampton in 2021 after a career as Head of the Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Derby. Her professional interests include the development of curriculum models that support vocational learning and provide opportunities for students to learn how to bring theory alive and link it to practical application. She has been involved in developing opportunities for students to gain as much experiential learning as part of their degree to support their professional development and provide students with experiences that support employability and prepare graduates for industry.
Dr Rawlinson is an Executive Member of the Council for Hospitality Educators, an auditor for THE-ICE Assessment Panel and a Trustee for the Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust a registered charity established to preserve the Crescent buildings in Buxton and to create an inspiring visitor experience. She has also consulted with High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council Steering Committee on a tourism strategy for the county.
Her international experience includes partnerships with Switzerland’s leading Hospitality Education Group including the Swiss Hotel Management School. Cesar Ritz and IHTTI providing excellent education for students from around the world. She also worked with partners in Botswana. China, Hong Kong, Singapore, The Netherlands and Greece.
Dr Rawlinson has a Doctor of Education from the University of Derby, an MSc in Tourism and Hospitality Education from the University of Surrey and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
Prior to her academic career Dr Rawlinson worked in the travel industry specialising in group travel, including conferencing, incentive travel and events.
