New principal for Inverness College UHI

A NEW principal and chief executive for Inverness College UHI has been appointed.

Diane Rawlinson, principal of Ayr College for the past seven years, will replace John Spencer next February.

Garry Sutherland, Inverness College UHI’s chair of the board of management, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Diane to our team. Her reputation precedes her as a formidable people person who is wholly committed to delivering an exceptional education for students and the best working environment for staff.

“We were hugely impressed with the calibre of candidates from across the further and higher education sector around the UK. However, with over 15 years industry experience, we felt Diane would be the ideal person to take the helm of the college and lead it into a bright future as we prepare to move to our new facility at Inverness Campus.”

He added: “John Spencer has built a strong financial standing for the college which will see us through the next few years of instability for the sector. His commitment and the considerable ground work towards the new Campus will be his legacy.”

Speaking of her new role, Diane said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the next principal of Inverness College UHI and look forward to leading the team through these exciting and challenging times in tertiary education.

“Together with our partners we will be working to build on existing strengths, developing a service that responds to the changing needs and aspirations of the Highlands and Islands communities.

“My aim will be to ensure our education and training provision is second to none and that Inverness College UHI is recognised as a beacon of excellence across the region and beyond.”

Diane was educated at South Shields Grammar School for Girls. She graduated from Dundee University with a MA Honours English Literature before studying a post graduate certificate in education at Loughborough and latterly a MA with Distinction Mass Communication at Leicester University.

Diane took up the post of principal and chief executive at Ayr College in August 2005. Prior to this she was depute principal at Elmwood College and an associate assessor with HMIe. Diane has worked in several of Scotland’s colleges during her career including Perth, Falkirk and Lauder colleges.