A number of Forth Valley College staff members have reached long service milestones over the last few weeks.
Student Records Manager Pamela Duncan has chalked up 40 years at the college and Principal Dr Ken Thomson and Fixit Team Member Jim Morgan (based at the Stirling Campus) have each passed the 25 year mark.
Ken and Pamela are seen here congratulating each other on reaching their respective landmarks.
Dr Ken Thomson joined Falkirk College of Further and Higher Education on January 6, 1994 and became Principal and Chief Executive of Forth Valley College in 2013, having previously held the posts of Depute Principal, Director of Learning and prior to that, Head of Science.
Ken – who graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BSc (Hons) in Zoology (1982) followed by a PhD at the University of Edinburgh (1986) – has guided FVC to become one of Scotland’s leading colleges with a reputation for innovation, progression and high standards throughout UK.
Married with three children - Gregor, Rory and Jenny – he is a member of the SFC Skills Committee and the Finance and Funding Committee, a member of College’s Scotland Principals Group, the Scottish Government’s Curriculum and Assessment Board and a Stirling City Commissioner supporting the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal. He is also a Board member of Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Qualifications Authority and a Board member and Trustee of Jisc. Ken is also a Fellow of the Institute of Directors.
He said: “I have gone from lecturer to Principal and remember starting at the then Falkirk College of Technology at the Middlefield Building around the same time as Jim Morgan and thinking I had been conned … as I had my interview in the Falkirk Main building and hadn’t seen the state of the old Middlefield site.
“I always knew that should be the first thing to go and when I became Principal sure enough it went. I can’t wait to set foot in our state-of-the-art new Falkirk Campus, exactly 25 years on from when I started my career here on that site!
“The thing about Forth Valley College has always been its staff and the camaraderie there is between everyone. There is a buzz about the place, many visitors talk about the positive atmosphere, and I am so humbled by the fact that I’ve had such an influence on the community in the Forth Valley area. I am also very proud of the fact that we are seen as a centre for high standards and innovation across our area, across Scotland and the UK as a whole.
“Through our vision - Making Learning Work – and our whole college strategy approach, I want to continue to embed the college at the centre of community, economic development and education in the Forth Valley area. Even though we have only been a regional college since 2005, our local authorities, the University of Stirling and other partners recognise that we are at the strategic forefront for local, regional and national projects and initiatives, which is great for us all.
“I have had 25 great years here and as a people person, I am delighted that we are trying to take everyone with us to realise this vision. I do realise that a vision without a plan is just a dream… so we have a real direction of travel here and I am proud that I am on this journey with dedicated, committed and talented colleagues such as Pamela and Jim and all our staff who are the essence of what Forth Valley College is all about.”
Pamela records long service landmark
Student Records Manager Pamela Duncan has created a record of her own by chalking up 40 years working for the college.
Just before Christmas, David Allison Forth Valley College’s Vice Principal Information Systems and Communications, presented her with a cheque for £1,200, a bottle of pink champagne and the eternal gratitude of the college for her long and distinguished service.
Now also a Forth Valley Board of Management Member, Pamela began her journey at the Falkirk College of Technology on 4 December 1978 as a VDU Operator, as the college started the switch from punch cards to computers.
Ten years in that role honed her skills and with a couple of maternity breaks in between to have her sons Mark (1985) and Adam (1991), she progressed to Student Records Assistant, Student Records Administrator before progressing into her current role as Student Records Manager.
Pamela, said: “I have really enjoyed my time here at the college. The people are the best element of the organisation for me and it is a really friendly place to work. I would not have got to where I am today if it were not for my colleagues and learning from them. I am now sharing that knowledge and experience with others in the college.
“Lifelong learning has also been a big part of working here and I have been very fortunate that through the years the college has supported me with continued professional development.
“When I came here I only had O’ Grades, but I was encouraged and supported through my HNC Information Management and Business in 2000, my HND Administration and Information Management in 2003 at the college and my BA in Management at Heriot Watt University where I graduated in 2007.
“I have always thought that the college has invested its time and effort in me and now in my position as Student Records Manager I want to give that back to my staff and the college as a whole.
“To someone just starting out at the college, I would say treat people as you would like to be treated yourself and learn as much as you can from your colleagues and you will get that back tenfold.
“I am now on the Board of Management of Forth Valley College and I was overwhelmed at the number of people who voted for me to get there. I see this role as one of the highlights of my career and something I had always wanted to aspire to.”
Dr Ken Thomson, said: “Pamela is remarkable and is an invaluable member of staff here at Forth Valley College. Not only is she responsible for running our efficient and vital Student Records team, but she has brought her tremendous skills and experience to bear on our Board of Management. She is an inspiration and I look forward to working with her here for many more years to come.”