UHI partnership strengthens collaboration with new senior leadership appointments

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is reinforcing its commitment to collaborative excellence by welcoming two esteemed leaders from its partnership to the senior executive team.

These strategic appointments align with UHI’s 2030 Strategic Plan, which aims to create a ‘fully integrated, sustainable, and people-oriented organisation.’

Professor Jane Lewis, Principal of UHI Shetland, will take on the role of Vice-Principal for Strategic Projects, while Professor Nick Owens, Director of the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), will assume position of Vice-Principal for Research and Innovation.

Vicki Nairn, UHI’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor who is leading UHI’s transformation, commented:

“Our primary focus is to ensure that every decision we make as an institution aligns with our 2030 strategic objectives of achieving operational excellence and financial sustainability. By fostering greater collaboration across the partnership, we will become a more efficient and effective tertiary organisation.”

“The unique expertise that Professors Lewis and Owens bring to the senior executive team will be invaluable as we navigate this critical phase of transformational change. I am looking forward to welcoming them to the team and working closely with them on strategic initiatives.”

Professor Lewis, with her extensive leadership experience, will provide leadership in supporting critical strategic initiatives across the UHI partnership.

She shared:

“I am delighted to take on this new role as Vice-Principal for Strategic Projects at UHI and to contribute to our evolving collaborative leadership model. As we strive towards our 2030 vision, it is essential that our strategic projects are shaped by all partners. I look forward to working with colleagues across UHI to drive our transformation.”

Professor Nick Owens, who has led SAMS since 2015, brings considerable experience in managing complex research organisations. He will play a crucial role in shaping UHI’s research strategy. He expressed:

“I am excited to assume the role of Vice-Principal for Research and Innovation. During my nine years at SAMS and UHI, I have witnessed the university's positive impact on our region and its people. UHI is not only a force for good in education but also in the research and innovation we foster.”

“As Chair of the Research Ethics Committee, I have seen the diverse, high-quality research our colleagues across UHI produce, which has been truly mind-expanding. In this new role, I look forward to further exploring our world-leading research and elevating the importance of research and innovation within UHI.”

Both professors will continue in their current roles at their respective institutions in Shetland and Oban, with Professor Lewis dedicating 0.5 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) and Professor Owens 0.2 FTE to their vice-principal responsibilities. These appointments took effect on 1 September 2024 and are set for a 12-month term.

The senior executive team is set to undergo further changes with the upcoming retirement of University Secretary Sheena Stewart, who will be stepping down later this year. Vicki Nairn commented:

“Since 2022, Sheena has been an invaluable leader and advisor in her role as UHI’s University Secretary, providing guidance to the UHI Court and the senior executive team. She leaves behind a strong and lasting legacy that will continue to guide us moving forward."