Mike Neary currently acts as Emeritus Professor of Sociology in the School of Social and Political Sciences.

During his time at Lincoln he has had the posts of the Dean of Teaching and Learning, 2007 – 14, the Head of the Centre for Educational Research and Development, 2007 – 2012, and Director of the Graduate School 2011 – 2014.

Prior to taking up his appointment at Lincoln he taught Political Sociology at the University of Warwick, 1993 – 2007.

Before becoming an academic he worked in youth and community development in South London.

His main research interest lies in the future of universities and the role of higher education in creating a post-capitalist society. He acts as the Chair of the Interim Academic Board tasked by the Co-operative College, Manchester, to establish co-operative higher education in the UK.