Jacqueline McArthur, Forth Valley College’s Director of Curriculum for the Department of Business and Communities, has just celebrated 40 years of working for the College.
Principal Dr Ken Thomson congratulated ‘Jacqui’ on reaching her milestone and presented her with flowers and a long service award cheque.
She joined Falkirk Technical College on November 16 1981 as a Home Economics Lecturer, after a short stint working in a secondary school in Glasgow.
Since then Jacqui has held various roles including Curriculum Quality Lead, Core Skills Manager, Deputy Head of Department, Curriculum Manager, Acting Head of Department, Head of Department and now one of only four Director of Curriculum posts in the entire college.
Jacqui, said: “I am absolutely over the moon to have reached the 40 years landmark at the College. I actually can’t believe it has been that long, it feels as if it was only yesterday that I started as a Lecturer.
“I think this is because of the wide variety of roles I have held while working here. I can’t thank the College enough for my own personal and professional development over the years and doors have been opened for me and I have been able to go through them to progress in my career.
“The advice I would give to anyone starting out working in further education would be to grab with both hands any opportunity that arises for you. I have, and I am extremely happy to be where I am today. I love my department and think my staff and students are amazing.”
Dr Ken Thomson, Principal of Forth Valley College, said: “Jacqui is one of the most talented, dedicated and hard working professionals I have worked with. Her 40 year landmark with Falkirk Tech and now Forth Valley College is one we celebrated on Tuesday and over that time Jacqui has inspired hundreds of staff and thousands of students. She is, and will continue to be, a great asset to our College.”