Following a rigorous selection process, the Board of North East Scotland College announced today (June 8) that they have appointed Liz McIntyre as the new Principal and Chief Executive.
Ms McIntyre will take over from principal Rob Wallen, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Ms McIntyre is currently principal and chief executive of Borders College, the regional college for the Scottish Borders where she has been Principal and Chief Executive since August 2006. Previously, from 2000 until 2006, she was the principal and chief executive of City of Bath College, a city-centre College, serving Bath and North-east Somerset and prior to that, the sole vice principal and deputy chief executive of a large, multi-site regional college serving South Kent.
As a well-qualified and experienced college principal with many years working in both the English and Scottish further education sector, she is fully aware of the current operating environment for colleges in Scotland and recognises the significant opportunities and challenges involved in taking forward a vibrant and successful Regional College. Liz is also very aware of the changing characteristics of the economy of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and realises the critical importance of having at the heart of any economic recovery a thriving, innovative and successful College.
Ken Milroy, regional chair said, “North East Scotland College is a highly successful College and the position of Principal attracted some very strong candidates from across the UK.
“We were looking for someone to build on the great work that our current Principal has achieved, someone with ambition and drive to help us realise the vision we have for the College in the Region. We knew we were also looking for someone who could lead and support our objectives over the next stage in the College’s development which of course includes our ambitious estates strategy and Liz fulfils this.
“Liz is currently the chair of the Colleges Scotland Principals’ Group and as vice chair of the Board of Colleges Scotland, has an excellent understanding of the national context for Colleges in Scotland. She has built strong and important relationships with key stakeholders at a national level and her profile within the Scottish context is high. She has the respect of sector colleagues, the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Government officials which leaves her well-placed to undertake a highly public role in a significant institution where profile, impact, confidence and respect are paramount.
“I am very much looking forward to Liz taking up her new role with us and will work with Rob and Liz to ensure a smooth handover as Rob then heads off for his well-earned retirement”.
Liz McIntyre said, “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the team at North East Scotland College. The College is very successful and I look forward to working with the Board and the staff of the College to build on this success and to continue to provide excellent learning experiences for students. I also look forward to working with partners across the region to ensure that education, skills and training are delivered in a way that supports the future ambition and prospects of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire”.