Mark Fokkema obtained a master’s degree in English Language and Literature at Utrecht University. For many years he worked in higher professional education  in various positions. At first as lecturer  of English and as programme manager at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. For several years he was the administrative director of the Rotterdam Conservatory, part of Codarts University of the Arts Rotterdam. Before his move to NQA he worked at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, first as head of the enrollment office and subsequently as implementation manager educational logistics.

Mark has gained audit experience at the former department of quality assurance of the Vereniging Hogescholen (Association of Universities of Applied Sciences) as secretary of audit visits of study programmes in Dance and Marketing.