The University of Aberdeen welcomed a new cohort of leadership students whilst celebrating the success of last year's cohort at a reception held recently at the Sir Duncan Rice Library.
The event was attended by representatives from local authorities and the Scottish College for Education Leadership, both of whom the University works in partnership with to support leadership development.
Last year the MSc Leadership in Professional Contexts Programme supported 161 students to achieve success in leadership qualifications.
The programme is designed to provide opportunities for aspiring and existing leaders to explore and expand understanding of the leadership process as it relates to a number of organisational settings be it school leadership or other settings that require leadership and management development and education.
A new award was presented on the night for the student showing the most critical reflection on leadership. Kathleen Mullay, a school leader from Shetland, won the award after nominations from fellow students.
Director of Leadership Programmes Neil McLennan said, “Public sector leaders work in a challenging but also rewarding area. Good leaders spend much of their time praising the efforts of others so it is nice to be able to celebrate the success of our leadership champions. I am so pleased for Kathleen. I can hardly imagine a finer, more enthusiastic, more committed recipient.”
Gillian Hamilton, Chief Executive, Scottish College for Educational Leadership added: “It was a real privilege to meet and talk to participants who have completed and who are just starting the Into Headship programme. Those who have completed the programme talked so positively about how their learning has supported them on their journey to headship, and new participants and those embarking on the programme were already reflecting on how the early inputs – the SCEL conference, and the induction day at Aberdeen University, had made them think differently about leadership.
“From the comments from other participants on the programme, it was clear that Kathleen was a worthy recipient of the inaugural leadership award. I was impressed by her aspirations for Shetland’s young people, as well as her commitment to her own professional learning and leadership development. I wish her continued success on her leadership journey.”