A NORTH-EAST university has appointed deans to head two of its academic schools.

Dr Derek Simpson is the dean of the school of computing, and Liz Barnes, dean of the school of social sciences and law, at the University of Teesside, in Middlesbrough.

Dr Simpson, 56, who lives in Hutton Rudby, first arrived at the university's predecessor, Constantine College, aged 18, to study computer science.

He said: "In 1967, there were only around six colleges in the UK offering computer science, and I liked Constantine College, it was very friendly.

"The campus was much smaller then, with no student residences. The changes have been tremendous, both for the university and the town. Everyone concerned should be proud."

In 1983, he returned to the then Teesside Polytechnic as a principal lecturer in the department for computer science, working alongside some of his former lecturers.

Mrs Barnes was previously deputy dean in the university's school of health and social care.

The 44-year-old, from Norton, first joined Teesside Polytechnic in 1987, lecturing in sports and exercise. She then transferred to the physiotherapy section, taking a lead role in developing and implementing the sport science programme, becoming programme leader of the BSc (hons) degree in 1993.

In 1998, Mrs Barnes became one of university's first two teaching fellows and in 2000 was appointed as deputy dean in the school of health and social care.

She said: "I'd like to see the school's international links develop, and help to raise the school's profile. There are good things happening with lots of promise."