AN EIGHT MONTH wait for a new leader has finally ended for Moray College UHI who revealed this week that they had appointed a new principal.
Moray College was thrown into turmoil in May last year when Frank Hughes was dismissed from the post having only been appointed the previous August.
The circumstances of his sudden departure sparked concerns in the Moray Council chamber where SNP education spokesman Councillor Mike Shand raised questions over his sudden dismissal.
Now the College has finally made its choice of a replacement, with the appointment of former deputy principal at Manchester College, David Patterson, taking up the post. On taking up his new role in Moray, Mr Patterson said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been chosen to lead Moray College UHI through the next phase of its development.
“These are both exciting and challenging times for colleges and universities, and I look forward to leading a college that will continue to play a key role at the heart of its local community, and also be a committed and innovative partner in the UK’s leading integrated university.”
Praise was heaped on the work of temporary principal Anne Lindsay for guiding the college through the period since Mr Hughes’ departure. Chair of the board of management, Dr Jana Hutt, said: “We would like to take the opportunity to thank Anne Lindsay and the Moray College staff for their sterling efforts during the interim period.”
David Patterson had been at Manchester College since 1985, rising to deputy principal where he was responsible for over 1000 members of the teaching faculty. He had previously been a vice principal for 19+ learners at Manchester.