Former Inverness College UHI Board Chair to receive Royal Honour

Having served on the Board of Management at Inverness College UHI for over a decade, Maureen Shepherd is to receive an MBE for services to education. The Rosemarkie woman was among those lucky enough to appear on the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Mrs Shepherd was first appointed to the Board in 2000, bringing her vast experience in the field of education both home and abroad to the benefit of Inverness College UHI. She became Chair in 2006 and carried out that role until retiring in summer 2011. During her tenure she oversaw numerous significant improvements at the College; including the implementation of a comprehensive action plan following a disappointing inspection report and the decision to relocate to the new Beechwood Campus from the current City Centre location.

Maureen, who was born and raised in the Inverness area, spent many years living and working abroad in numerous locations including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Malaysia before returning to the Highlands. She is widowed with two sons and has settled in Rosemarkie on the Black Isle. Maureen was in Australia visiting family when the announcement of her MBE was made.

It goes without saying that the news is being warmly welcomed at Inverness College UHI, where Principal John Spencer was delighted to hear of Maureen’s MBE accolade: “I think everyone recognises how much she has put in to helping the college to where it is now. We are all thrilled with that she will be awarded an MBE for services to education; it is thoroughly deserved. Over the years Mo has put in a tremendous amount of work supporting the management team here at Inverness College UHI. She was exceptional as Chair and made an outstanding contribution.”

Those featured on the Her Royal Majesty’s New Years Honours List will be presented with their awards later in the year, possibly during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee to mark her 60^th year on the throne.