Transformational educator recognised with professorship

An academic and environmental scientist, with expertise in modelling climate change, has been awarded a professorship from the University of the Highland and Islands.

Professor Gary Campbell, whose personal chair recognises his leadership skills, contribution to education alongside his role in the development of the region’s economy, becomes a professor of learning and teaching strategy.

Professor Campbell first joined the institute as a lecturer at Inverness College UHI in 1999, returning to teach at Moray College UHI before becoming Faculty Dean in 2010 and was appointed as vice-principal (strategic developments) in 2019. He has led several strategic projects in the learning and teaching including the curriculum for the 21st century project which supported the achievement of university title and underpins network delivery.

Speaking about his new title Professor Campbell, Vice-Principal (Strategic Developments), said:

“Almost everything I have done has been part of a team effort, but it is a great honour to receive this in recognition of the part I have played in our achievements. To get it in our tenth year as a university is fantastic”.

“Our institution is anchored in the communities in which we operate, and it has a special role to play to ensure that everyone has access to education and training at all levels, to gain the skills for today’s employment needs and new generation opportunities that will transform our regional economy and power its recovery.”

Known for his people advocacy and scholarly activity, in 2013 Professor Gary Campbell set up the university’s educational development unit and the learning and teaching academy.  The internationally recognised initiatives embedded a forward-looking framework to develop academic staff. The centres have a focus in pedagogic research, knowledge exchange and mentoring, using a digital context to promote access to enhance curriculum and research delivery.

Professor Todd Walker, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands, said:   

“Professor Campbell is pivotal in creating the strong strategic relationships that our university’s third chapter is founded on and he has ensured that our partnership can be more academically responsive to the needs of the business and communities in the region.   This title of professor is the highest level of academic achievement which can be awarded and reflects the transformational impact he has had on the prospects of our region and its proud future.”    

Gary Campbell, Professor of learning and teaching strategy, will give a free public online seminar on Tuesday 21 September at 4pm, to present his inaugural professorial lecture – ‘On my planet…’ an exploration of the challenges and joys of implementing what should be a simple plan in a multifaceted and multi-employer organisation.

For more information and to book, visit  www.uhi.ac.uk/en/media/events