Prof. Rhys Rowland Jones
 

Rhys is a seasoned expert in higher education accreditation, institutional licensing, and quality assurance, with extensive experience in academic regulation and policy development. His key roles include:

Commissioner for Higher Education Accreditation and University Licensure

Ministry of Education – UAE (2019–2022, 2024–Present)

• Led the 2019 revision of the UAE Higher Education National Standards for Licensure and Accreditation, implementing a risk-based approach to quality assurance and increasing transparency.

• Supervised external review teams, ensuring compliance with federal higher education requirements.

• Developed a mutual recognition pathway for AACSB-accredited business schools, aligning CAA and AACSB standards.

• Provided strategic guidance on e-learning transitions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Represented the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) on international committees, including the QAA International Quality Review Committee and the Hong Kong Council for Vocational and Academic Qualifications (HKCAAVQ).

Commissioner for Higher Education

UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (2012–2016)

• Conducted accreditation and licensure reviews across 82 UAE higher education institutions and over 720 academic programs.

• Chaired external review panels, assessed compliance reports, and advised university leaders on institutional effectiveness and academic quality.

• Led a national review of MBA programs and developed updated distance learning standards for UAE institutions.

Director of Academic Affairs

Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, UAE (2016–2017)

• Provided leadership in academic program development, accreditation, and strategic planning.

• Strengthened partnerships with international institutions, including Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Professor of Strategic Operations Management & Director of Academic Development

Abu Dhabi School of Management (2018)

• Oversaw MBA program accreditation and secured approval to deliver Harvard’s Microeconomics of Competitiveness (MoC) course.

Academic Leadership Roles

• Heriot-Watt University (2010–2012) – Director of Research & Knowledge Transfer (Dubai)

• Glyndŵr University (2007–2010) – Head of Glyndŵr Business School

• University of the West of England (2003–2007) – Head of School of Operations & Information Management

International Accreditation and Quality Assurance Involvement

• Council Member – Hong Kong Council for Vocational and Academic Qualifications (HKCAAVQ)

• Assessor – Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation & Quality Assurance (OAAAQA)

• Advisor – Supporting UK universities within the MENA region on institutional effectiveness and academic quality improvement

With a strong record of policy development, accreditation oversight, and institutional quality enhancement, Rhys continues to shape the higher education landscape in the UAE and internationally.