You are in > Home > News & Events > News > Professorship for SAC Vice Principal - David McKenzie, “Vital Role in Developing Strong Relationships with Education Partners”

Professorship for SAC Vice Principal - David McKenzie, “Vital Role in Developing Strong Relationships with Education Partners”

SAC News Release Ref. No: 11N82
Published: 09 Jul 2011

SAC Vice Principal David McKenzie, Head of SAC’s Learning Division was awarded a personal Professorship in Rural Education Development at SAC’s annual Graduation ceremony on Friday 8th July. During the event, in Bute Hall, University of Glasgow, tribute was paid to David’s wide experience of education and strategy. It has been vital in developing SAC’s education provision and the development of constructive partnerships with other key players in the sector.

David began his education career at Clackmannan College before spending 15 years, latterly as Vice Principal, at what is now University College Birmingham. Following a further 2 years as Principal of East Devon College he moved back to Scotland in 2000, working as Assistant Director in the KPMG Education Advisory Practice. He joined SAC in 2001.

Among David’s achievements since then have been an increase in student recruitment, retention and satisfaction year on year. This resulted in the highest possible grading from the Quality Assurance Agency in their last 2 reviews of SAC in 2005 and 2010. He also led the successful bid to have SAC recognised as a Higher Education Institution and a Scottish Funding Council Fundable Body in 2008.

Professor McKenzie has built ever stronger relationships with key partner organisations in both the further and higher education sectors in Scotland. He led negotiations with the University of the West of Scotland in the joint development of the iconic new Riverside campus in Ayr, which will be officially opened this autumn. His discussions with the University of Edinburgh to establish accreditation of SAC-delivered degrees – modelled on an existing successful partnership with the University of Glasgow, are ongoing.

David leads for SAC in the Going Further project, an initiative also involving Elmwood, Oatridge and Barony Colleges to produce a joined-up strategy for tertiary education in the land-based sector in Scotland. Further afield, David has grown international partnerships, including further development of a highly successful International MBA with partners in 13 European Union countries.

This experience and his outstanding people skills have generated great respect for him from staff, the SAC Board and external stakeholders.

Comments

blog comments powered by Disqus

News Release Issued By

Mr Ken Rundle
Senior Communications Officer
SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) Work SAC, King's Buildings, West Mains Road,
Edinburgh
EH9 3JG
TelWork 0131 535 4196

Add to Address Book | Help