New appointment will help university respond to regional needs

The University of the Highlands and Islands has announced the appointment of Dr Gary Campbell as vice-principal (strategic developments). This new position aims to make the university more responsive to the needs of the businesses and communities in the region. Dr Campbell will help to develop education and training in the locations it is needed, as well as harnessing the university’s research capacity and knowledge exchange in areas industries require.

Based at Moray College UHI in Elgin, Dr Campbell previously held the post of Dean of Science, Health and Engineering. His new role will see him work with colleagues around the university partnership to lead strategic academic developments, including those associated with computing, aerospace and engineering.

Dr Campbell started his career as an environmental scientist specialising in modelling climate change. He held research and lecturing posts at Newton Rigg College in Cumbria, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Sheffield before joining the University of the Highlands and Islands in 1999 as a lecturer at Inverness College UHI. Following a research Fellowship in Aberdeen, he returned to teach at Moray College UHI before becoming Faculty Dean in 2010.

University of the Highlands and Islands Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clive Mulholland, welcomed Dr Campbell to the new role saying: “The university was created to have a transformational impact on the prospects of the Highlands and Islands so it is vital that our curriculum and research meets the needs of our region. I believe this new role will help us better fulfil this by having an oversight of the bigger picture and bringing together existing and new curriculum and research fit for the 21st century. I am delighted Gary has taken up this post and I am certain he will continue to make an invaluable contribution to the mission of the university.”

Dr Campbell said: “I am extremely proud of our university and I am looking forward to working with colleagues across the partnership to progress some once in a generation opportunities for the benefit of the region.”