Renowned healthcare leader to address UHI nursing and optometry graduates

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is delighted to announce that Professor Melaine Coward, a leading figure in nursing, healthcare leadership and education, will be the guest speaker at this year’s nursing and optometry graduation ceremony. Professor Coward’s address will reflect on her inspiring career journey, from her beginnings as a nurse to her influential roles in healthcare education and policy development.

Around 600 people are expected to attend the event at Eden Court in Inverness on Thursday 14 November, to celebrate the achievements of over 130 nursing and optometry students from UHI’s Inverness and Stornoway campuses. This year’s ceremony is particularly notable, as it includes the first graduating class of the BSc (Hons) Optometry programme — the first new course of its kind in Scotland in nearly 50 years.

Professor Coward has made numerous significant contributions to nursing, particularly in oncology and healthcare education. She began her career as a registered general nurse at King’s College Hospital in London, caring for patients with complex blood disorders, and later specialised in the care of pre-menopausal and male breast cancer patients. After many influential roles, she joined the University of Surrey, where she guided the School of Health Sciences to top national rankings in nursing, midwifery, and paramedic sciences.

Currently, as Specialist Advisor for Education and Quality Assurance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, she continues to shape healthcare education across the UK. Her work in reflective practice is internationally recognised, and she frequently chairs national conferences, contributes to healthcare policy, and advises leaders across sectors.

In her role as a Visiting Professor at UHI, she brings valuable insights into the regional variations in nurse education, benefiting both UHI students and staff alike.

Professor Coward commented on the upcoming event, saying:

“It will be a genuine honour to speak at the UHI nursing and optometry graduation and to celebrate everyone’s achievements. Those graduating have faced a challenging journey, and I want to acknowledge their dedication and hard work, as well as highlight the importance of ongoing professional development in healthcare.”

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, added:

“Graduation is a very special day for our students, their friends and family, and all of us at UHI. We are extremely grateful to Professor Coward for accepting our invitation to share her insights and experiences. I am confident that her words will inspire our graduates, who are now set to contribute to healthcare throughout the Highlands and Islands and beyond.”