Forth Valley College Principal Dr Ken Thomson OBE has received a Honorary Professorship from the University of Stirling in recognition of his contribution to the academic work of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The Professorship has been awarded in recognition of Dr Thomson’s contribution to the sector leading partnership building and best practice that both the University of Stirling and Forth Valley College have developed together over the last 15 years. The appointment will officially began on 1 January 2022 and runs until 31 December 2025.
Honorary appointments at the University of Stirling are awarded to recognise a contribution to teaching and research, or input through professional standing in the interests of the University. Honorary appointees collaborate on a range of projects and play a major role in helping the University achieve its strategic goals and have a professional standing which enhances the University’s research, learning and teaching – equipping students, graduates and staff with the knowledge to make a positive difference to the world.
Awarded to individuals who have regular and significant involvement with the University, it is expected that nominees are of sufficiently high distinction either professionally or within research or teaching areas.
Dr Thomson, said: “I am absolutely delighted and humbled to have been thought of as a recipient of this honour from the University of Stirling. Once again I have to say that this award reflects on the progressive and innovative approach that Forth Valley College as a whole takes to building strong, exciting, worthwhile and beneficial relationships with our partners and stakeholders to improve the entire community of Forth Valley.
“Moving forward, I am keen to investigate how I can support the University whilst taking forward the great things happening in the College and put something back into the Scottish tertiary sector.
“This is another excellent opportunity for Forth Valley College and the University of Stirling to further develop our fabulous relationship – which features such a strong integrated degree programme – especially as we both look to the future with more ground-breaking initiatives on the horizon. I am genuinely excited about how this Honorary Professorship could benefit the College, the University, our staff and students in the years to come.”
Dr Thomson was also presented with a special Institute of Directors Scotland award at the end of 2021, in recognition of all that he is doing and has done in Leadership, Education and Skills and this followed on from being awarded the Regional IoD Director of the Year prize in 2020. He was also awarded an OBE for services to education, economic development and the communities of central Scotland in 2019.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “I wish Dr Ken Thomson OBE my warmest congratulations on his Honorary Professorship from the University's Faculty of Social Sciences. This recognition reflects Ken's important contribution to partnership building and the best practice developed between the University and Forth Valley College over the last 15 years.
“Throughout his tenure at the College, Ken has shown incredible support for the University, characterised by our close working relationship. We look forward to continuing this collaborative approach in the years to come, with exciting projects and opportunities ahead including those presented by the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal.
“I am delighted to welcome Ken to the University as an Honorary Professor and have no doubt that his expertise will be of enormous benefit to our students, staff and the wider community.”