After 18 years of exceptional leadership of the Isle of Wight College, Debbie Lavin CBE has stepped down from her role as Principal and, as the new academic year begins, the college community are welcoming Ros Parker OBE as their new Principal.
Ros has a wealth of experience in the further and adult education sector, most recently as Principal of Southend Adult Community College, where, in 2021, she was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for her substantial contribution to services in adult education and the community. Prior to that, she was the Principal of Prospects College of Advanced Technology (PROCAT) in Basildon.
Speaking about her move to the Island, Ros has said:
“I am delighted to be relocating to the island and starting my new role. This is a very exciting time for the Isle of Wight College, with the introduction of T Levels and new courses such as e-Sports this September. I am looking forward to meeting new and returning students over the coming weeks, as well as local employers and wider stakeholders”.
Dr Nick England DL, Chair of Governors, has said:
“The college is benefiting from a multi-million pound government investment in training equipment and modernising our campus buildings. This is alongside the recent opening of our Skillslabs Business Centre and the award of University Centre status. Ros will play a key role in taking forward our plans to ensure we continue to meet the skills needs of island employers and to ensure we provide all students with high quality training and education”.
