Professor Todd Walker, principal of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), has resigned
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In a message sent to staff Professor Walker cites "family and personal reasons" for the decision.
Professor Todd Walker, an accomplished Australian academic, accepted the post of principal and vice-chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in February last year but was only able to emigrate to the Inverness area in August 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to the Courier shortly after arriving in Scotland he said then that had set in motion a root and branch review of the university's strategy and vision, warning the days of “vanity courses” – fields of study less closely linked to jobs, industry and growth – were numbered.
He expected that process to take two to three years to complete.
Previously working in multi-campus, regional universities in Australia he said he understood the challenges facing technologically advanced, geographically challenged institutions like UHI.
In an email sent to staff today he said: "After much consideration I have decided to demit from my position as principal and vice-chancellor and leave UHI early in the new year.
"This has been one of the hardest professional decisions I have had to make, but in the end has been prompted by family and professional reasons.
"I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to lead UHI and have enjoyed immensely my time here in Scotland."
He thanked colleagues in senior executive and management teams as well as wider staff.
He said the University Court will make an announcement about the process to replace him "shortly".
Chairman of the UHI court, Alastair MacColl, commended Professor Walker for his leadership and stewardship over the past two years.
"Professor Walker has successfully overseen a rebranding of UHI, led UHI through the Covid pandemic and seen outstanding results in research impact and student satisfaction," he said.
"Professor Walker's expertise in tertiary education has been invaluable to UHI as it repositions the partnership over the past few years."
