A university has recruited two digital media specialists to teach journalism students as well as working journalists.

The University of Central Lancashire has announced the appointment of Lisa MacLeod Taljard, publishing consultant for Women in News at the World Association of News Publishers and formerly of the Financial Times, and digital transformation specialist Dmitry Shishkin, a consultant who has also worked for the BBC World Service.

Lisa and Dmitry will work with student journalists on undergraduate and postgraduate courses in their roles as leaders in residence, but will primarily act as mentors and speakers on the university’s newly launched Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme supported by the Google News Initiative.

The programme will see working journalists, including regional press editors and news editors, study to become “digital leaders and innovators”.

Lisa, pictured, said: “I have a huge interest in teaching and mentoring, and hope that after 25 years of focus on change management and digital strategy in the media industry, I will be able to bring some deep insight to the students, and to the new leaders in journalism.”

Dmitry added: “Over the course of my career, I have always felt the need to continue being connected to the education sector, strengthening the bridge between current and future media practitioners.

“Joining UCLan as one of the new leaders in residence will allow me to help guide the next cohort of newsroom leaders – be it by making future introductions, delivering workshops and talks or mentoring.

“Leadership development has been an interest of mine over the last 10 years, and I am truly thrilled to have been asked to join.

“I am looking forward to meeting this year’s Journalism Innovation and Leadership Programme participants.”