Who we are
Higher Education Connected specializes in marketing branding and student recruitment. We are proud to offer partner universities, students and families a unique and comprehensive experience. Our team has years of experience working at UK universities and working with partners, students and parents globally. We have vast knowledge in strategy development, marketing, student recruitment, and partnership development.
​
We are committed to providing the highest quality of service, and our goal is to offer you real solutions to your problems.
​
If you are looking for an experienced and reliable partner to help you reach your educational goals, Higher Education Connected is a perfect choice.
Managing Director
Dr Cheryl Yu, SFHEA
With over 17+ years of experience in international education at different universities in the UK, Dr Cheryl Yu has a proven track record of developing and implementing effective internationalisation strategies for attracting and retaining international students and developing and delivering Transnational Education with stakeholders from different countries and regions, including two joint institutes in China with 1,200 students each.
​
As a researcher, Dr Yu has published extensively on the internationalisation of higher education, from international student experience to the internationalisation of the curriculum, to the critical reflection of internationalisation of higher education. Her recent publication includes 'Critical Reflection of the Internationalisation of Higher Education in the Global South'.
​
Expert Advisor
Professor Chris Harris
Professor Chris Harris, BA, PhD, SFHEA, FRSA. Former Vice-President Academic Affairs at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in Suzhou, China, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the University of Liverpool (2018-2021).
Inner Board Member, Irish Research Council (Ongoing).
Now semi-retired with part-time roles in Modern Languages at Lancaster University and in local government and politics at Lancaster City Council.
Expert Advisor
Professor Minyar-Beloruchev
Professor Minyar-Beloruchev, PhD, MBA, is a long-time Leader in Education and Adept at Innovation in Education. He was holding university top administrative positions including that of Vice-Rector of Moscow State University and stood at the foundations of Shenzhen MSU-BIT University. Professor Minyar-Beloruchev is an expert in university academic excellence and global competitiveness. He holds MBA in Educational Leadership (International) from University College London.
Expert Advisor
Professor Meng Xi (Robin) Yang
Mengxi (Robin) YANG is an Associate Professor and a Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Economics and Management and MOE Social Science Laboratory of Digital Economic Forecasts and Policy Simulation, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (AACSB-accredited business school).
Robin has been appointed as an Associate at Clare Hall, University of Cambridge, starting in May 2023.
He is also a Postgraduate Supervisor (Innovation Management Area) at Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research (SDC).
![Heather McClean profile (2)[86]_edited_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/f3d371_6e9e26dca8d84ecfa0aaaa6c7a466105~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_311,h_334,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Heather%20McClean%20profile%20(2)%5B86%5D_edited_edited.jpg)
Expert Advisor
Heather McClean, MA, SFHEA, Cambridge DELTA,
Pre-sessional Senior Coordinator at University College London
​
Former Education & Recognition Adviser at Queen Mary University of London,
Heather McClean has over 25 years’ experience of teaching English to international students and has particular expertise in teaching and supporting Chinese students in UK higher education.
​
She has expert knowledge of English language teaching and assessment and intercultural teaching and learning and is an external examiner for a number of UK HEIs. In addition to teaching, Heather also provides training, development, and mentorship for academic staff, and presents frequently at international teaching and learning conferences.
Expert Advisor
Dr Lu Hong, OBE
Deputy Director at LSE Confucius Institute for Business London​ and Chairman of CEDP Chinese Centre UK
Dr. Lu has studied and worked in the UK for 29 years, specialising in the fields of Chinese teaching and research, Chinese language education and promotion of Chinese business culture, and Chinese cultural studies.
In 2007，Dr Lu became the first manager of Confucius Institute for Business London at London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In this role, she has produced a series of books for London business societies. Dr. Lu was one of the editors and authors of Introduction to Chinese Business Culture (Sinolingua, London). Dr. Lu is also the head of executive training, the designer of the training courses and the principal instructor at LSE Confucius Institute for Business. She has vast experience running training sessions on topics including Chinese business culture and language, multicultural training and global business etiquette, Chinese teacher training, Sino-British business forums, amongst many other projects.
Relevant papers and studies published at international conferences and journals include: (A Changing Nation: The Effects of Globalisation on China). As one of the main organizers and referees, Dr. Lu organised and participated in the finals of the Chinese Language World University Competition 2008-2011 and 2018. Dr. Lu also served as a press conference interpreter for the Athens Olympic Organizing Committee 2004.
Dr. Lu has been widely recognized for her work in the field of China-UK cultural exchange, most notably in the form of an OBE (Order of the British Empire). This is one of the UK’s most distinguished titles and was awarded to Dr. Lu by Her Majesty the Queen, in 2015 and Freedom of London in 2022
Expert Advisor
Charlie Connor
As a highly experienced professional with 10 years of senior experience in international higher education, edtech and charity sectors, Charlie brings a wealth of expertise in international sales, business development and strategic partnerships. With a very established network in the space, Charlie has worked with 100’s of universities worldwide to establish strategic international student recruitment campaigns, both digital and in-person events. Furthermore, Charlie's experience in the public sector has equipped him with a deep understanding of social impact and community engagement, enabling him to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that drive positive change.