We understand how important it is to create and support a diverse environment for staff and students, and we’re extremely proud to have so many talented, experienced and inspirational individuals forming our senior teaching team.
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating some of the many fantastic female leaders at Sandwell College, who are using their experiences to deliver an engaging, supportive and meaningful education for our students.
Nargis Bostan
Associate Principal for Early Years, Public Services and Service Industries
Balancing her role as Associate Principal at Sandwell College whilst taking care of four children, sitting as a Governor at their schools and fulfilling senior positions at a number of voluntary groups, including Director for Rights & Equality Sandwell and Vice Chair of IMAN, Nargis is making a difference in every aspect of her community.
Upon leaving school, Nargis started building her family whilst simultaneously studying for her degree. She went on to graduate from the University of Birmingham with a Masters in ICT in Education, as well as fulfilling her role as a mother to two young children – one of whom was born blind. Whilst working part time at Sandwell College, she volunteered at her son’s school, helping him to learn braille and ensuring he would have the best chance at education and reaching his potential.
This passion and dedication to teaching has been reflected in her various roles, both within the community and at Sandwell College, where she has become an invaluable member of the team over the last 12 years. Since developing her teaching skills alongside her studies, Nargis went on to become Head of Early Years & Education and then Head of Public Services, supporting our team of staff and over 600 students, helping the department become one of the top three performers across the college after just one year.
Michelle King
Head of Department for Creative Industries
With a background in the performing arts as an actor and musician, Michelle brings an impressive portfolio of experience and an invaluable network of connections to students across the Creative Industries department.
After several years of first-hand work in the industry, developing her talent and expertise in London, Michelle has taught at some of the most prestigious institutions in the Midlands. During her time at Stratford-upon-Avon College, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and Birmingham Ormiston Academy, she directed a number of shows for students in partnership with industry leaders, including the director of Hamilton and producers of UK tours such as Miss Saigon.
In just two years at Sandwell College, Michelle has opened new studios with the latest music and television equipment, established partnerships with the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Creative Cultural Skills, is debuting a large-scale production of Chicago and is organising the college’s first 3 week-long festival of arts in June.
Outside of education, Michelle strived to bring a new musical theatre experience to the Midlands, most notably setting up a group to connect local aspiring writers with potential employers and venues. She also sits on the board of Sandwell Education Partnership, creating a network of stakeholders and arts representatives to secure funding and enhance the cultural provision across the region.
Nisha Anhu
Associate Director of Health & Social and Public Services
A passionate advocate of diversity within professional teams and emphasising the value of contributions from a variety of viewpoints and experiences, Nisha has played an important role in growing the female demographic within subjects that are typically underrepresented.
Since being appointed as a Health & Social lecturer five years ago, Nisha has supported the department’s growth by almost 300 students, making it one of the largest sectors within the college. In addition to this, she has aided the growth of adult provision by 20%, leading to her progression from Course Co-ordinator to Curriculum Director and now Associate Director.
Nisha’s responsibilities were recently re-focused to the Public Services department, where she has worked closely with the Army and Police Force to introduce female representatives to students. Her aim is to showcase how, with hard-work, resilience and support, females can succeed within any industry to make a positive impact.
Geraldine Whitehorn
Head of Health & Social Care
Using her experiences to demonstrate how drive and ambition can lead to success, Geraldine invested her efforts into a career change, using her passion to graduate from further education and a determination to make her family proud as key motivators. A youth worker by day and cleaner at night, she planned an access course around her work and was encouraged by teachers to pursue a career in education after showing a natural talent and flair for teaching.
Whilst preparing to complete her degree in Health Studies, Geraldine made her first application for a tutoring position at Wolverhampton College, which she was immediately offered during the interview. After excelling in this role, she was head-hunted by a private firm and embarked on a new path in corporate training nationwide, before deciding to return to her roots as a lecturer at Dudley College.
Inspired by its ethos and vision, Geraldine looked to become a tutor at Sandwell College, using her skills and experience in social care to support and guide students. In four years she progressed to Curriculum Leader, which led to her recent promotion to Head of Section for Health & Social Care – one of the fastest growing departments in the college.
