Welcome to all our new and returning School of Humanities (SOH) students! We thought this would be a fantastic opportunities to introduce you to your SOH Head of School Dr Sarah Dustagheer. Take a look at the interview below to find out more about Sarah and their role at Kent.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming Head of School?
Yes, I really worked my way up from Alumni Officer, Student Experience Lead, Director of Recruitment, Deputy Head and then Head of School! It has been great seeing different sides of how the University functions and supporting students in a variety of ways.
What are your top priorities for the school this academic year and why?
Well, we’re still a ‘young’ School in many ways – Classics, English and History have only been the School of Humanities since 2023 – so we are keen always to improve our connection as a group of exciting subjects with lots of synergies. As ever, a big part of this is ensuring our students are well-supported, both pastorally and academically, and welcomed to our thriving and lively academic community.
What are you most proud of in your school, and are there any specific achievements?
We had some lovely achievements in our NSS (National Student Survey) scores this year, with comments from students about how much they have enjoyed their time with us. That’s always brilliant for us to hear. We are also a dynamic group of researchers and a wonderful achievement in the last Research Excellence Framework was History’s recognition as the top department in the country.
What is the one thing that students might be surprised to learn about you?
Perhaps that I am someone who is a neurodiverse mum to a neurodiverse child – so I really do understand some of those experiences and pressures some of our students feel and I’m always keen to hear from and support neurodiverse students in any way I can.
What’s your favourite spot on campus and why?
I’m all about Rutherford Dining Hall – my first office was nearby when I joined Kent, so it feels like home. Great food and views of the Cathedral – see you there!
Is there a student success story that has inspired you in your career as Head of School?
I’m inspired by our students all the time – I can think of many examples of students who have faced significant personal challenges during their degree and have had the courage to speak up and get support and gone on to thrive. It has been a privilege to watch them shine.
What one piece of advice would you give students during their time at University to maximise their academic success this year?
I think it is really important to develop self-compassion and kindness – we all have an inner critic or imposter who wants to tell us that we are not good enough. Don’t listen to them! Remember to be your own cheerleader, and if you need help with this reach out to family, friends and especially your seminar leaders and lecturers. We are here waiting to support you.