- Why did you become a Trustee at the Highlands and Islands Students’ Association?
I have spent more than 25 years working in higher and further education, much of the time as a professor and senior manager, as well as serving on the Academic Board at a previous university. Throughout this time, I have always seen myself student-centred; I working hard to support the student association, and to support individual students who encounter problems or issues. As a Trustee I want to support the Highlands and Islands Student Association and offer any experience that I have to offer advice and support to the elected officers and employees as they work to represent the students and develop Your Student Association. I have a particular interest in ensuring that there is strong support for mental health and neurodiversity issues that are impacting students.
- Briefly tell us about what your course
It seems a long time since I studied, but my MA was in Public Policy, which directly related to the social, governance, and political issues I worked on both personally and as a researcher. This later led me to work within the international human rights world, and to my PhD, which was on “The Use of Information and Technology for Child and Human Rights – this in turn resulted in me joining the board and becoming the Chair of The Geneva-based, international human rights organisation HURIDOCS. At the time I Had no idea where my university courses would take me, but they allowed me to find ways to follow my passions and make a difference.
- What is your fondest memory of being a student?
The obvious answer is completing the courses! Though I did enjoy some good nights out with friends whom I met whilst studying and a few who I still stay in touch with now.
- What inspires and/or motivates you?
The same things that have always inspired me and motivated me, addressing injustice, challenging those who perpetrate it and trying to make a difference.
I have been lucky to travel extensively across the world, working with colleagues to address issues such as child rights and human trafficking, working alongside colleagues in places like Bangladesh and Nepal, developing solutions, and encouraging authorities to rise to challenges and address them. I continue to work with a charity on a pro-bono basis, that is based in the UK and seek to address racism and inequality, and with another organisation that works to achieve dialogue between communities and in conflict situations.
- What do you hope to bring to the Trustee Board?
I hope that I can bring my experience, enthusiasm, and passion to the Trustee Board, in addition to having experience in education I have served as a Councillor, on the board of a number of organisations, and would enjoy supporting the future strategy and direction of HISA as it develops and flourishes.