Governance & Leadership
Board of Governors
Leadership, Governance and Academic Oversight
Our Board of Governors provides strategic oversight and supports Cavell College’s development, bringing experience in higher education, leadership, and governance to guide the College’s direction and student commitment.
Prof. Dr. Matthew Cooper
Governor
Prof, Dr. Matthew Cooper is an award-winning academic leader, governance specialist, and higher education strategist with more than two decades of international experience leading innovation across universities, business schools, and global education partnerships. As Dean of H-FARM College in Italy and MBA Director at H-FARM Business School, he is recognised for transforming academic vision into high-impact educational practice, while fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.
Nicolas Decourt
Governor
Nicolas Decourt is Head of Academic Partnerships at Wrexham University, where he leads the development and management of UK and international educational partnerships. He has more than 15 years’ experience in higher education, spanning academic leadership, teaching, quality assurance and partnership development. A former senior lecturer, Nicolas is passionate about widening access to education and creating meaningful progression opportunities for learners. He brings strategic, commercial and governance experience to his role as a Governor of Cavell College.
Dr. Magdalena Wronska
Governor
Dr Magdalena Wronska is an experienced senior leader with a career spanning higher education, construction and the rail sector. Her work has focused on workplace health, organisational wellbeing, strategy and culture, with experience leading programmes and initiatives across large and complex organisations.
Magdalena holds a PhD in workplace wellbeing and brings expertise in strategic leadership, organisational development, research and evidence-based practice. Her career has involved working with senior leaders, academics and multidisciplinary teams to shape strategy, influence organisational practice and deliver meaningful change.
She brings this broad, cross-sector perspective to her role as a Governor of Cavell College, alongside a strong interest in creating inclusive, healthy and high-performing organisations in which people can thrive.
Executive Board
Academic Leadership Focused on Student Success
The Principal / Head of Academics provides strategic academic leadership at Cavell College, supporting high standards in teaching and learning, academic quality, programme development, and the overall student experience.
Dr Shepherd Ziko
Executive Principal
Dr Shepherd Ziko is a highly experienced senior educationist and strategic academic leader with a strong track record in higher education leadership, academic quality assurance, curriculum innovation, governance and regulatory compliance. He has built his career around advancing institutional excellence, strengthening academic standards and ensuring that higher education provision is both rigorous and responsive to the needs of students and society.
As Executive Principal, Dr Ziko provides clear and forward-looking strategic academic leadership. He is deeply committed to creating a high-quality, inclusive and intellectually stimulating learning environment in which all students are supported to achieve their full potential. His leadership places a strong emphasis on academic excellence, student success and continuous improvement across all areas of provision.
Md Shafiul Alam
CEO and Founder
Md Shafiul Alam is the CEO and Founder of Cavell College. His career in education is shaped by a strong personal belief in the ability of learning to create opportunity, develop confidence and transform lives.
He holds a BA and MA in Sociology from the University of Dhaka, an MBA from Glyndŵr University London, and subsequently completed a Graduate Diploma in Law and the Legal Practice Course at London Metropolitan University.
His own experience of continuing his education while working and managing wider responsibilities has informed his commitment to supporting students from a wide range of backgrounds, particularly those returning to education, changing careers or seeking new opportunities in the United Kingdom.
Our Approach to Governance
Cavell College seeks to maintain effective governance through experienced leadership, appropriate oversight, academic quality assurance, and a strong focus on student outcomes.
Our governance structure supports the College’s commitment to providing a positive, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment.
