Interim dean appointed at LCC

by Akilah Russell

Russell Merryman has been appointed as the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Media at London College of Communication (LCC), after Julian Rodriguez's surprise suspension on Friday.

In a statement to Arts London News, Sandra Kemp, the head of college at LCC said: "Russell Merryman has been appointed as Acting Dean, with immediate effect."

Rodriguez was suspended, on the instruction of the university’s Rector, Nigel Carrington, after allegations of gross misconduct were made against him.

'Frog-marched'

Onlookers said that Rodriguez was “frog-marched” out of the LCC building on Friday afternoon.

Sandra Kemp said: “In accordance with the UAL staff disciplinary code, I can confirm that Julian Rodriguez, Dean of the Faculty of Media, was suspended on Friday on the instruction of the Rector, pending an investigation into allegations of gross misconduct.

“No further comment will be made until the outcome is known.”

In addition to this, Gary Naylor, the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Media, will leave his post on May 17, after working at LCC for almost 20 years.

“[Gary] leaves due to ill health and as a result of changes in personal circumstances, and on friendly terms,” added Kemp.

“His departure was agreed prior to the suspension of the Dean of the Faculty of Media and is unrelated to this matter.”

At a full staff meeting, Nigel Carrington, the university's rector, rejected claims made by Ron Todd of the University and Colleges Union (UCU) that proper appointment procedures had not been followed.

'Fantastic reputation'

Merryman, who is currently a Senior Lecturer in Online Journalism at LCC told Arts London News:"This is an extremely challenging time for everyone in the creative industries and the Faculty of Media needs to be right there at the forefront of education and innovation, preparing students in the best possible way for that challenge.

"I've been connected with LCC for more than six years, and have hired graduates from here in the past; so I know how good this college is and the fantastic reputation it has in industry."

He added:"No-one can deny the last few months have been difficult here, but the faculty is home to some of the most talented, committed and creative people, and I'm confident that we can harness that and move forward together."

Prior to working at LCC, Merryman has worked at the BBC and was launch editor-in-chief and head of new media at Al Jazeera English.

In 2002 his team won the Royal Television Society Award for Innovation for the launch of the BBC News Interactive Television service, and Al Jazeera's converged coverage of the US presidential elections was nominated for an International Digital Emmy award in 2009.