College worker awarded with medal

A Shetland College administrator has been awarded the University of the Highlands and Islands vice-chancellor’s medal for his services to the institution.

Communications and student engagement assistant Greg McCarron was presented with his award at the Higher Education graduation ceremony last week.

The medal is considered and awarded by Clive Mulholland, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, and recognises “exceptional and outstanding contribution”. In his three years working for Shetland College UHI, Mr McCarron has developed new student engagement approaches and has been involved with several university initiatives.

Earlier this year one of his projects, a “review of the year” video produced for the annual awards ceremonies, was selected by Education Scotland as an example of excellent practice which is to be shared with colleges across the country.

Mr McCarron said: “It was a great honour to be awarded the medal out of all the great staff working for the university. Ultimately it’s important that we put students at the centre of what we do, and it’s really great to see recognition for student engagement at a university level.”

Only a couple of medals are awarded annually across all 13 of the university’s academic partners. However, this is the second year running that a Shetland College staff member has received the honour.

Last year college librarian Ruth Priest was awarded the medal for her contribution at Shetland College, NAFC Marine Centre and the wider university.

Sue Smith, Operations Manager, said: “The senior management team would like to congratulate Greg on receiving such a prestigious university award. This is the second year that a Shetland College UHI staff member has received the vice-chancellor’s medal, which demonstrates the high quality student-centred support which is provided locally from our dedicated team at the college.”

Prof Mulholland said: “Greg is a deserving recipient of the vice-chancellor’s medal. He has always gone above and beyond what is expected of him to ensure students at Shetland College UHI have the best experience possible. Students are at the heart of what we do and we want to support them to achieve as much as the