New college principal working from Oz
The partnership that operates Perth College UHI celebrated its 10th birthday on Monday by announcing a new principal and vice-chancellor.
Professor Todd Walker will join the University of the Highlands and Islands group from Australia, where he has worked in multicampus and regional universities for over 20 years.
He will initially work remotely from his home in New South Wales, before relocating to the Highlands when local COVID-19 restrictions ease.
The partnership was officially awarded university status by the Privy Council on February 1, 2011.
Staff and students will be marking the milestone through a range of events over the next six months, including an online public seminar series and a social media competition.
The university partnership now has the largest student population in Scotland, with nearly 40,000 students studying college and university courses each year.
Last year, an independent economic impact assessment found that the partnership contributes £560 million to the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire economies every year and supports 6200 jobs.
Upon his appointment, Professor Walker said:“I congratulate the university on its 10th birthday and commend its founders whose vision for tertiary education for the Highlands and Island is now a reality.
“Personally, I am delighted to be joining the university partnership on its 10th birthday.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with staff and students, partners and principals, community and government as we build and strengthen the university partnership in shaping this remarkable organisation for the next 10 years.”
Highlands and Islands Students’Association president Florence Jansen said:“I am delighted that HISA is participating in the celebration of our institution.
“The University of the Highlands and Islands has brought many opportunities to Scotland and our students, and its collaborative nature is unmatched across the country.
“HISA is just one of the many success stories of the university and I am incredibly excited to watch us both continue to grow moving forward.
“We want to wish a warm welcome to our new principal and vice-chancellor Professor Todd Walker and look forward to a bright future of working in partnership.”