North Highland College principal described as 'exemplary leader' as he announces retirement in autumn
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The principal and chief executive of North Highland College UHI has been described as "an exemplary leader" after announcing that he will retire from his post at the end of September.
Donald MacBeath has held a number of positions across the Thurso-based college, having started as a lecturer in the mid-1980s and progressed to assistant principal and vice-principal before becoming principal in 2014.
During his tenure, North Highland College UHI has achieved a number of notable firsts. These include delivering the country’s first professional golf degree, based in Sutherland, and establishing a formal partnership with the Professional Golf Association (PGA).
In association with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scotland’s first Newton Room – designed to inspire more young people to become interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – was established on the Thurso campus.
And, in association with Caithness Chamber of Commerce, the college supported the creation of the first Developing the Young Workforce regional group in the Highlands.
Mr MacBeath is chairman of the Partnership Planning Forum of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
The chairman of the North Highland College UHI board of management, Blair Sandison, said: “Donald has been an exemplary leader and advocate for the college and the role it plays supporting the educational and social ambitions across the large community that it serves.
"Donald’s energy and enthusiasm has been instrumental in ensuring the college continued to deliver professional, high-quality education throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Donald will be missed by us all and we wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement."
The board will now begin the process of appointing a successor to Mr MacBeath.
