Dr Debbie Du Preez (ne Lee) (She/her)

Dr Du Preez is the Deputy Director of Education and Student Experience (DESE) for the Economics Department within the Business School at the University of Exeter. Before taking up the position at the University of Exeter, she studied and subsequently worked at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (previously the University of Port Elizabeth) in South Africa. She holds a Doctorate in Commerce from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. During her senior lectureship she was also involved in consultation work conducted on behalf of the Human Sciences Research Council, the Office of the Presidency (Pretoria), and the Water Research Commission. 

With over two decades of teaching experience in SA and the UK, she hopes to continue to contribute to improving student experiences in higher education. She has played a key role in developing student support resources and implementing student engagement initiatives. This includes, inter alia, the implementation of a 'Buddy Up' scheme at the departmental level and the provision of additional support materials aimed at enhancing the academic personal tutoring experience for both staff and students the department. She has had many roles over the years, including employability lead, senior tutor, and widening participation lead for the department.