Obituary: Professor John Harper

John was born and raised in Wick, before studying at the University of Aberdeen gaining an Honours Degree in Chemistry and subsequently a PhD in Chemistry.

He then embarked on a career in higher education that spanned 47-years, beginning as a lecturer at the Robert Gordon Institute of Technology (which became Robert Gordon University in 1992). He subsequently progressed to senior-lectureship and went on to become the Head of School of Applied Sciences.

It was in his role of Head of School that John attained the award of Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

He was soon promoted to the role of Assistant Principal/Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care, before progressing to the role of Vice Principal, and subsequently Deputy Principal, with specific responsibility for Academic Quality and Development.

In 2010-11, John stepped up to the role of Acting Principal, before being appointed as Principal in 2018. In his final period of office, in addition to dealing with the expected challenges, he successfully led the university in its transition off campus due to the COVID-19 crisis.

After retiring in 2020, in recognition of his significant contributions to the university, higher education, and the community, John was awarded an honorary Doctor of Scienceby Robert Gordon University.

It was testament to John’s leadership that Robert Gordon University was recognised by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide as Scottish University of the Year, 2021.

John was personally recognised too, being awarded The Herald’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to higher education.

Following his retirement, John continued to serve the city he worked in as a Member of the Board of Trustees at the region’s largest social care charity, Voluntary Service Aberdeen (VSA).

He also continued to serve Scotland’s higher education sector as Vice-Chair of Queen Margaret University’s Court from 2022, as well as being appointed Emeritus Professor of Robert Gordon University.

John will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his dedication, kindness, and unwavering belief that universities should be judged by what they do and what they achieve.

Everyone at Robert Gordon University sends their condolences to John’s wife, Hilary, his family, and friends.