Student Affairs Staff

I started at Richmond in January 2001, but have been involved in international education since 1993. I have taught English overseas and have also coordinated housing for international students and teacher training for English language teachers in the US.I earned my undergraduate degree in Comparative Literature from Colorado College in 1992, my MA in Foreign Language Education at the University of Texas in 1993 and my EdD from University College London, Institute of Education in 2020. At Richmond, I oversee all of the out-of-the-classroom student experience including housing, leadership development and careers, student activities and sports, visas and immigration, scholarships and financial aid and health care and counselling. My team and I aim to make your University experience the best it can possibly be, so please let us know how we can help you.

Hi, I’m Alice.I have worked in higher education and in charities that support individuals with specific needs or disabilities.At Richmond, I am here to support students who need a helping hand to manage their studies at the University.
I work with peer mentors, peer tutors, librarians and academics to offer individualised support

Hello, my name is Katherine Lytle and I am the UKVI Compliance Manager.  I have always been interested in travel, other languages and cultures and it was as an exchange student for a year at a university in northern Sweden that sparked my interest in a career in international higher education. I have over 15 years of experience working with student support and student visas and compliance. Having worked at Richmond since the end of 2010, in many areas of Student Affairs, I decided to focus solely on visa compliance more recently.  
I’m responsible for maintaining the University’s Sponsorship license with UK Visas and Immigration. I also update international students on their rights and responsibilities on a Student Visa. 

As the Associate Dean for Financial Aid & Scholarships, I am responsible for all areas relating to Student Funding; Loans, Grants, Scholarships, etc.

I have worked in various capacity at higher education institutions in the USA & UK. I have also had the opportunity to study in the UK, USA and Sierra Leone. These have contributed in shaping my worldview.

Some of my extracurricular activities include playing tennis, and reading. As one with a deep appreciation for cultural diversity, I also enjoy travelling internationally and learning about different cultures.

Hello, my name is Brittany and I’m the Student Accommodation & Community Support Coordinator here at Richmond. I’m originally from Los Angeles, California but have spent the last 5 years traveling around the world and working in schools in Asia, Europe, and South America. I’ll be your main point of contact for anything revolving around getting set up and feeling at home here in London like student accommodations, student and community events, council tax, bank accounts, etc. 

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at yaxleyb@richmond.ac.uk 

Hi! My name is Kirsty Ibbitson and I am the Student Affairs Coordinator at the Leeds campus working on the RIASA programme.

I have worked in the HE sector for over 15 years supporting international students to ensure a positive student experience during their time in the UK. I spent almost 5 years managing the International Student Advisory Service at Lancaster University before returning to Yorkshire working as an International Student Advisor at the University of Leeds and then at the University of Bradford as a Visa Support Officer.

I am the main point of contact at RIASA for any issues outside of the classroom and away from the football pitch. I offer advice and guidance on visas & immigration, healthcare & counselling, accommodation issues, social activities and I am the line manager of our team of Peer Leaders (student staff) who also work to support you during your time on the programme.