In the year in which it celebrates its 500th anniversary of teaching, the University of Aberdeen has made an outstanding new appointment that will lead the way for the continued strengthening of the University’s commitment to learning and teaching.
Catherine Macaslan will take up her post as Vice-Principal for Learning and Teaching in August 2005. Ms Macaslan’s promotion from Head of School of Education is a significant appointment for the University as she is only the second female Vice-Principal in its 500-year history. In her new role, Ms Macaslan will be responsible for assuring and enhancing the quality of the University’s educational provision.
Ms Macaslan said she was looking forward to playing a crucial role at what is an exciting time for all sectors of education in Scotland. She said: “I am looking forward to engaging with the continuing development of a leading research University where learning and teaching are highly valued.”
“A strong Learning and Teaching ethos is already a feature of the student experience and I intend to ensure that this is enhanced and extended to meet the needs of students in the 21st century.”
Ms Macaslan has been leading significant change and development of educational provision at all levels from Pre-School to Higher Education. Notably, she managed the integration of the Northern College of Education when it merged with the University of Aberdeen in 2001.
This successful change management programme led to the national recognition of the University’s first-class School of Education when it secured the Scottish Teachers for a New Era project – an innovative £2.7 million plan for teacher education development. Ms Macaslan will continue to manage this project for the University.
As Head of the School, Ms Macaslan has played key roles in initiatives and developments within the Institution, between other educational institutions, and between the University, local education authorities and schools.
Significant aspects of her work over the last decade have included major internal and external projects on flexibility of programme design to enhance student learning and access.
Professor Stephen Logan, Senior Vice-Principal, said: “Cathy is a natural leader in this field and has the type of innovative and forward looking approach which the University recognises as key to the further enhancement of Learning and Teaching within the institution.”
With two degrees from Aberdeen, a B.Sc, and M.Ed, and a teaching qualification from the former Aberdeen College of Education, Ms Macaslan has spent the last 10 years in Higher Education in posts of responsibility involving major aspects of ‘Learning and Teaching’ development.
Ms Macaslan was educated in Ayrshire and relocated to Aberdeen to study at University. She took her first teaching post in Greenock, in Renfrewshire, and subsequently moved back to the north to take up a series of posts before returning to the University.
She will succeed Dr Graeme Roberts, who will retire from his post as Vice-Principal for Teaching and Learning in July 2005. Dr Roberts has led the University’s quality enhancement initiatives and has been instrumental in significantly raising the profile of widening access and teaching and learning at the University.
Ms Macaslan takes up her post on 1 August, 2005.