Arts University Bournemouth ( AUB ), an institution primarily focused on creative subjects, is going through dramatic changes. Vice-Chancellor and CEO Lisa Mannrode yesterday announced job cuts following a significant drop in student numbers. Mann, who took on the role in January 2023, has emphasized the need to “protect the long-term sustainability of the university” amid these challenges.
Mann’s pay of £165,000 is significantly less than her successor’s pay and pension-enriched remuneration package of £275,443. This salary adjustment is indicative of AUB’s commitment to continue reducing expenditures while maintaining essential services in these challenging times. The university has experienced a marked decrease in student numbers, prompting leadership to take action to address the institution’s financial well-being.
Mann himself recently characterized those required cuts as a “terrible tragedy.” She recognized how they would affect the “precious resource of valued colleagues that makes a community of learning possible!”
“We deeply regret having to take this step,” – Lisa Mann
Mann further explained the implications. He stressed that, despite everyone’s best efforts to prevent compulsory redundancies, AUB is still under huge financial pressure.
“However, the scale of the financial challenges we face – particularly in the context of reduced student numbers – means that we must take further action now to protect the long-term sustainability of the university,” – Lisa Mann
The new leadership team understands that staff are deeply concerned about their jobs being in jeopardy. Mr. Dolan, an anonymous source within the university, highlighted that “staff are keenly aware that those at the top of the institution are at no risk of redundancy.” Precinct staff are getting very frustrated — they’re living through the same uncertainty that’s affecting their own futures. They see even greater pay inequities at the top management levels.
Mann often makes an entrance in a distinctive black suit with white pinstripes, complemented by a black blouse with lace inserts. Her shoulder-length, statue-blond hair and her gold and pearl earrings—considered a Normand signature—uniquely frame her glamorous, public persona. She poses proudly with an office full of haphazardly arranged, wall-mounted abstract art and a large growing pothos. This context makes her professionalism all the more striking in these febrile times.
The still-open role Mann occupied was a new position, indicating more top-of-the-house restructuring as AUB finds its way forward in an acute financial crisis. As the university community awaits more details on the cuts and their implementation, there remains a palpable tension surrounding the institution’s future direction.
