Meet Charlene Pattison, Lecturer in Accounting and Deputy Programme Leader here at Salford Business School with a passion for advocating for inclusive education.
Charlene is committed to creating learning environments that remove barriers and creates opportunities for students. While undertaking her PhD, she has focused on designing approaches that enhance inclusivity and accessibility.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
I started out in the industry as a Programme Manager, but I’ve always been interested in how education can genuinely change lives. After completing a Master’s in Inclusive Education, I realised how powerful teaching and research can be when they focus on removing barriers and creating real opportunities for people. That’s what pulled me into academia. I’m now in my fourth year of my PhD in Enhancing and Evaluating Higher Education, with focus on relational learning and knowledge integration, continuing my interest in how we can make learning more inclusive and meaningful for everyone.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
Salford felt like home before I even worked here. I’m local, so I’ve always been aware of its strong reputation and how closely it’s tied to the community. What I love most is that Salford is part of the community, it makes a real difference to people’s lives and creates opportunities for students from all kinds of backgrounds. That connection to place and purpose is something I really value.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
It’s definitely the environment. Salford has this energy that makes every day feel like a learning day even for staff. The students bring so much curiosity and drive, and there’s a genuine culture of collaboration and creativity across the University. Watching students grow, gain confidence, and realise what they’re capable of is easily the best part of the job.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to date?
There have been quite a few highlights, but my recent highlight is mentoring a Level 5 student over the summer who went to write a journal article. Seeing their idea develop into a finished piece of writing was incredibly rewarding. But honestly, the best part of the job is always watching the student journey from start to finish, and seeing how much they grow, both personally and academically. That never gets old.
What’s your current research focused on?
My main focus is inclusivity in higher education, how we design environments that help all learners thrive. Lately, I’ve also been exploring Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL). I’ve built COIL projects into my own modules and supported international partners to do the same. It’s exciting to see how these projects connect students across countries and cultures.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
I’m currently preparing a paper on COIL and inclusivity, building on research from my PhD. The work explores how collaborative online learning can create more accessible, globally connected experiences for students, and how this approach can support inclusivity both in and beyond the classroom. It’s been a great experience collaborating with colleagues and seeing our ideas take shape together.
And finally, the all-important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
The Maxwell Building café on the second floor is my go-to. The coffee’s great, but it’s the staff who make it special – always friendly, welcoming, and ready with a smile. It’s a lovely place to take a break and recharge.