Professor Smidt currently serves as Professor of Higher Education and Academic Director of King’s Academy at King’s College London, where she leads the university’s central academic development function and works closely with faculties to enhance teaching quality, support curriculum innovation, and strengthen academic leadership. She previously held senior institution-wide roles at University College London, overseeing academic practice and professional development, and earlier contributed many years to The Open University in faculty and central leadership positions focused on learning and teaching.
Professor Smitt earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics with European Studies from the University of Sussex and subsequently completed a DPhil in Physics at the same institution. She also holds a Master’s degree in Education from the Open University. She has an international reputation in higher education enhancement, academic development, and programme-level curriculum design. She has led major initiatives in teaching, learning, and quality enhancement, including submissions for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) and institution-wide strategies for student learning and academic professional development. She is a Principal Fellow of Advance HE and a member of its Fellowship and Accreditation Advisory Group.
Professor Smidt joins a strong leadership team within the Office of the Provost, including Prof. Bjorn Birgisson, Vice Provost for Research and Innovation; Dr. Aida Sagintayeva, Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Budget; Dr. Luis Rojas, Associate Provost for Graduate Studies, and Dr. Lasha Markozashvilli, Associate Provost for Teaching and Student Success. Together, they provide integrated leadership across academic affairs, research and innovation, academic planning and resourcing, graduate education, and student success, advancing the University’s academic mission and strategic priorities.
“Dr. Smidt’s appointment as Vice Provost for Academic Affairs marks an important step in Nazarbayev University’s journey to eminence. Drawing on her leadership at King’s College London and other world class institutions, she brings a rare combination of academic depth, strategic insight, and global perspective that will help shape the next chapter of our academic excellence,” said NU Provost Professor Rehan Sadiq.
Professor Smidt will join the NU team in April, succeeding Professor Loretta O’Donnell, who served at the university for over 12 years and made a significant contribution to strengthening its academic foundation.
