The Open Access Publishing Association (OAPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Associate Professor Rachel Fitzgerald as incoming Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice (JUTLP), alongside the appointment of Dr Alison Purvis to the newly established role of Deputy Editor.
Both appointments will formally commence on 1 July 2026, with transition and interim arrangements beginning from 24 April 2026 in their current Senior Editor roles. The appointments mark the next stage in JUTLP’s leadership transition and reflect the journal’s continued commitment to strong academic stewardship, editorial quality, and long-term sustainability.
Associate Professor Fitzgerald will assume responsibility for leading the journal’s editorial direction, working closely with the Editorial Management Board (comprising Editor-at-Large Dr Joseph Crawford and Director of Technology Professor Michael Cowling), Senior Editors and Associate Editors to maintain performance, support editorial consistency, and continue strengthening JUTLP’s standing as a rigorous and globally relevant journal in higher education. Dr Purvis, as Deputy Editor, will support the journal’s editorial leadership and contribute to the coordination and development of its editorial culture and practices.
Associate Professor Fitzgerald said she was excited to build on the journal’s strong foundation and to work with the editorial team to strengthen consistency, clarity, and impact while maintaining the supportive editorial culture already in place.
“JUTLP occupies an important space in higher education. It is both rigorous and accessible, with a strong commitment to practice-informed, globally relevant scholarship. That balance reflects the evolving work of the editorial team since 2020, and it is increasingly important as the sector navigates rapid global change, including the impact of AI, shifting student expectations, and broader societal challenges.”
Associate Professor Rachel Fitzgerald, incoming Editor-in-Chief
She added that her immediate focus would be on ensuring continuity, maintaining performance, and supporting a strong and engaged editorial team, while over time further strengthening the journal’s global reach and amplifying diverse educational perspectives.
“Stepping into the Deputy Editor role reflects my belief in the mission of JUTLP. As a diamond open access journal that is academically led and community focused, it offers a clear alternative to commercial publishing models and keeps knowledge genuinely open. I am proud to support a journal that places scholarly integrity, high quality, and meaningful collaboration at its core.”
Dr Alison Purvis, incoming Deputy Editor
Dr Joseph Crawford, outgoing Editor-in-Chief, said the appointments represented a strong and intentional next chapter for the journal. With recognition that the base quality of JUTLP remains strong.
“Rachel and Alison are both deeply committed to the ambition of JUTLP to elevate the evidence-base of practical learning and teaching innovation and exceptionally well placed to help lead JUTLP into its next phase. These appointments provide continuity, credibility, and a strong foundation for the future.”
Dr Joseph Crawford, outgoing Editor-in-Chief and OAPA President
Dr Crawford will continue to support the journal’s broader publishing environment through his recently established role as Editor-at-Large at OAPA, contributing at an association-wide level to editorial leadership, publishing oversight, and journal development.
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About OAPA
The Open Access Publishing Association (OAPA) supports scholar-led open publishing through journals, professional learning, membership, events, advisory activity, and institutional partnerships. OAPA works to strengthen equitable, trusted, and sustainable approaches to scholarly communication.