'New vision and strategy' promised as Debbie Murray is appointed as North Highland College principal
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The new principal of North Highland College UHI has promised a fresh vision for students and staff in the post-pandemic learning environment.
Thurso-born Debbie Murray said she was thrilled to be taking up the post, having been selected from a strong field of candidates from across the UK.
Mrs Murray has extensive senior level experience in further and higher education and had been serving as interim principal with the college since October 2020.
She has had roles in administration, teaching, funding and new business development during her time at the college. She has worked closely with other University of the Highlands and Islands partner colleges as well as building relationships with businesses and stakeholders.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to take up the post of principal of North Highland College UHI," Mrs Murray said.
"We have a new vision and strategy to build on post-pandemic and intend to enhance our key areas of strength by forming even closer ties within the university.
"I’ve learned a lot from previous principals at the college and I’m passionate about supporting all of our students and staff so that UHI can truly have a transformational impact on our region to the benefit of our communities.
"I look forward to continuing to work with our board of management, my colleagues and partners to put all of our ambitious new plans into practice.”
Blair Sandison, chairman of the college’s board of management, said: “Debbie has already delivered significant outcomes for the college during her career and the board looks forward to supporting her and the entire college team as she takes up this new challenge.
"All staff and students have responded with resilience and flexibility throughout the disruption encountered in the last 12 months and the board cannot begin to express its admiration and gratitude for this magnificent response that has continued to deliver high-quality education and outcomes for all of our learners.
"As Debbie takes up this new role and as Covid-related restrictions are relaxed, it is now time, under new leadership, for the college to move forward and capture the exciting new opportunities afforded in the post-Covid learning environment.”
The college has adapted to online technologies over the past 12 months in response to Covid-19, allowing students to connect with their tutors and lecturers from home. It says this will "strengthen the student experience alongside more traditional face-to-face learning when a new cohort of students start this September".
The college has campuses in Thurso, Halkirk, Dornoch and Alness. For information on its courses, visit www.northhighland.uhi.ac.uk
Related story:
