The University is continuing to punch well above its weight in terms of the overall league tables, and the areas of graduate employment, student experience and research. The challenge for all of us is to maintain these standards given the current external environment in the education sector.

The University faces some real challenges in the coming months and years, not only in terms of funding the day to day business, but also in maintaining the drive and impetus for our vision for the University overall. This is not only about the plans for the Campus at Garthdee which are progressing well, but also positioning the University for the future.

As the new Chair of the Board, I will be continuing the excellent work of my predecessor, Melfort Campbell, in supporting and encouraging the executive team in these developments. A big thanks therefore to Melfort who has now left the Board after his three years as Chair. Recognition must also go to Lesley Wilson, Bill McKimmie and Liz Hancock, all of whom were extremely active members who stood down at the end of 2010 having completed their time on the Board.

In turn we must welcome Tim Stevenson and David Strachan as new independent members and Professor Ken Russell as the Academic Council representative.

There has also been a realignment of Board responsibilities on various committees, all of which can be accessed on the Internet.

Your Board is committed to the excellence of the University, and its continued development, and through ‘added value Governance' will provide support and guidance to the executive in delivering our aims.

Mike Salter
Chair of the Board of Governors

Full profiles of all current members of the Board of Governors can be found on the Academic Affairs website.