Inverness College UHI board appoints new principal
Following a rigorous selection process, Inverness College UHI’s board of management has appointed Professor Christopher O’Neil as its Principal and Chief Executive Officer.
Chris, who is currently Head of Gray’s School of Art at Robert Gordon University, will replace Diane Rawlinson in the next academic year. Diane, who has served at the College since 2013, has moved to the new role of vice-principal (further education) at the University of the Highlands and Islands.
Neil Stewart, Chair of the Board of Management of Inverness College UHI, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Professor Christopher O’Neil to our team. We were hugely impressed with the calibre of candidates from across the further and higher education sector around the UK. However, we feel that Chris’ experience and vision make him the ideal person to lead Inverness College UHI through the next exciting phase of its development.”
“Chris comes to us with an impressive record in academic and executive leadership roles in the UK and North America. These roles include Head of Department at the University of the Creative Arts, Professor of Design and Medias at Savannah College of Art and Design, Head of Cardiff School of Art and Design, and Pro Vice Chancellor at Thames Valley University. He has a strong track record throughout his career of developing tertiary education models with Further Education partners, delivering commercialisation activity and developing high quality research clusters. In addition, he has been an Executive Council Member of the Arts Council of Wales and, whilst at Birmingham City University, advised the UK government on the creation of industrial, governmental and academic partnerships. We are certain that Chris’ experience will prove to be a significant asset for Inverness College UHI and its region.”
He continued: “Diane Rawlinson has led the transformation of the College over the past few years. We have secured the highest possible commendations during inspections and she has led us to achieve a number of prestigious accreditations including Investors in People Gold. Her commitment to the college, its staff and students, as well the successful relocation to our fantastic new campuses at Inverness Campus and Balloch, will be her legacy.”
Inverness College UHI’s current Depute Principal, Roddy Henry, will be Acting Principal until Chris takes up the post.