THE University of the Highlands and Islands has appointed Mike Devenney to the new position of vice-principal (further education). Mr Devenney, who is currently principal of Moray College UHI, will take up his role in July.
The vice-principal (further education) position was created as a result of proposals in the Scottish Government’s Post-16 Education Bill.
The bill envisages that the University Court, through a Further Education Regional Board, should be accountable for all post-16 education in the Highlands and Islands.
This means the university will take on responsibility for further education as well as continuing to be responsible for higher education.
The new post will be vital to ensuring all the further education colleges in the region work together to meet the needs of their respective communities as well as those of the wider area.
Mr Devenney, who has been principal at Moray College UHI for eight years, will continue to be based at the college in Elgin.
Welcoming the appointment, university principal and vice-chancellor, James Fraser, said: “Mike Devenney is an excellent appointment for this position.
“Moray College UHI is embedded in the Moray community at all levels and responds to its needs.
“This is a result of Mike’s leadership. He is a respected member of our partnership and well-placed to ensure the voice of further education is heard strongly and clearly during these exciting and challenging times for education in the Highlands and Islands.”
Dr Michael Foxley, chair of the Highlands and Islands Further Education Regional Board, said: “Mike’s appointment is great news for further education in the Highlands and Islands and is part of the changes now underway on the functions and governance of the university.
“Mike will work with the principals of the colleges in the region to expand provision and work closely with the university to deliver a genuine tertiary provision.
“We can now complete the mapping of the curriculum, share services and start planning strategically for future needs.”
Mike Devenney said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to this exciting new position and very much look forward to working closely and constructively with all of the colleges across the Highlands and Islands region.
“I am sorry to be leaving my current position at Moray College UHI and it has been a real privilege to have been the principal of such a good organisation. However, I’m pleased that my new role will allow me to continue to work closely with the college.”
Dr Jana Hutt, chair of Moray College UHI’s board of management, added: “We shall be very sorry to lose Mike who has been an excellent principal.
“Under his leadership, Moray College UHI has grown in stature as an essential part of the local community and a vital member of the University of the Highlands and Islands partnership.
“We wish him every success in his new role. Moray’s loss will be the university’s gain.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The University of the Highlands and Islands is a partnership of thirteen further and higher education colleges, specialist colleges and research institutions, distributed throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. They are bound together through constitutional, management and academic structures, and coordinated through an executive office.
There are currently over 7,000 students studying on undergraduate and postgraduate courses or undertaking postgraduate research with the university.
The University of the Highlands and Islands is the only university based in the Highlands and Islands.
Its purpose is to have a transformational impact on the development and prospects for the region, its people and its communities.
The University of the Highlands and Islands is a limited company registered in Scotland No. 148203. Scottish charity No. SC022228. Registered office: 12B, Ness Walk, Inverness, IV3 5SQ.
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