The Minister for Higher and Further Education and Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey, announced the appointment of Dr Abhishek Agarwal as Chair of the Board of Management of Forth Valley College, on Friday 28 June.
At the same time the Minister also announced the appointment of Ms Sue Cook as Chair of the Board of Management of West Lothian College.
The appointments will be for four years. Dr Abhishek Agarwal’s will run from 28 June 2024 to 27 June 2028.
Dr Agarwal will work closely with the board and key stakeholders to strengthen current partnerships and forge new collaborations and help shape the strategic direction for the College.
He brings with him over 20 years’ experience in education and skills development, especially with his most recent role as Associate Professor in Strategy at Edinburgh Napier University where he leads the MBA and DBA Degree Programmes as well as industry engagement for the Business School.
Over the last decade, Abhishek has cultivated a strong passion for effective governance and his roles have encompassed various responsibilities, including serving as Non-Executive Director of Kirkgate Developments Limited, Board Member and Chair of Grampian Housing Group, and a Non–Executive Board Member of NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland.
He has extensive experience as Chair of the Board and as a Quality and Performance, Audit and Risk Committee member. Abhishek’s background in education, skills development, industry engagement, governance and board leadership will be invaluable as he takes on the role of Board Chair of Forth Valley College.
Abhishek’s knowledge and expertise will be vital in light of the swiftly advancing technology landscape and students’ and employers’ changing expectations. His strong commitment to governance excellence is directed towards fostering positive societal and economic outcomes.
Dr Agarwal, new Chair of the Forth Valley College Board of Management, said: “I am delighted to be taking up the position of Chair of the Forth Valley College Board of Management. On my first day I visited the impressive Falkirk Campus and experienced a very welcoming environment and staff members with a great work ethic. I had a very productive meeting with Principal Kenny MacInnes, and am really looking forward to working with him, his senior management team, all my new fellow Board members and the Forth Valley Student Association, to continue the good work that has been done before and ensure we will be Making Learning Work for the Forth Valley community in the future. ”
FVC Principal Kenny MacInnes, said: “We are delighted to welcome Abhishek Agarwal as our new Chair to our Board of Management and are excited at the thought of working closely with him to further enhance the success we have had in recent years here at Forth Valley College. Abhishek is an experienced leader with a proven background in education and impressive track record in strategy, governance, business models, circular economy, social housing, health care, and sustainability transition.
“He is the ideal person to fill this important leadership role and drive Forth Valley College forward as we begin initiatives such as the development of our new Strategic Plan, the proposed Skills Transition Centre at our Falkirk Campus as part of the Falkirk Growth Deal, the Stirling Forthside Film Studios project, the Forth Green Port Development and the potential of new global partnerships, which are sure to open up new opportunities.
“We are confident Abhishek will help us realise our new vision and ambitions for the College, by building on all the great work that has gone on during the last few years under the guidance of Interim Chair Trudi Craggs – who we thank sincerely for all her efforts. We look forward to working closely with Abhishek and are sure he will help us to continue Making Learning Work for the people of Forth Valley and beyond.”
Forth Valley Student Association are also thrilled to welcome Abhishek Agarwal as the new Chair of Forth Valley College Board of Management.
Kirsten Kennedy, FVSA Vice President, said: "The new incoming Student President Elena Strachan and I have had an extremely positive experience working with the previous chair, and we are confident that this positive relationship will continue. We look forward, with eager anticipation, to welcoming Abhishek Agarwal and here's to continuing a successful, and productive, partnership."
For more info visit Public appointment: Chairs appointed to the Board of Management of Forth Valley & West Lothian Colleges - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)