New head appointed to UCOL in Whanganui

Bronwyn Paul has been appointed as head of UCOL in Whanganui.

She will take up the campus manager role in April.

Ms Paul is from Castlecliff and was described as "an experienced manager who has held national and regional roles as well as managing and co-owning a local security business."

A former president of the Whanganui Chamber of Commerce, she has also supported the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme for secondary schools. She has also been chairwoman of the New Zealand Security Association and remains on the board.

Chair of the UCOL selection panel Christine Beech said the standard of applicants for the position was very high, demonstrating a strong level of interest in tertiary education in Whanganui.

"Bronwyn is passionate about the training and development of people, and is on the selection and performance panel for Skills Organisation, which helps New Zealanders gain the skills needed to grow and succeed in the workplace."

Mrs Paul said she loved Whanganui and was "looking forward to being a part of the UCOL team.

"Local tertiary education is vitally important to our youth and to our businesses.

"UCOL has an important place and contribution to make to our community, and we need to make the most of the lovely campus on our doorstep."

"We are looking forward to welcoming Bronwyn in April and introducing her to the community in this capacity.

"For this position there was a community representative involved in the selection process, which was much appreciated, and reflects our collaborative intent," Mrs Beech said.

Mrs Beech said the campus manager position was created as a result of the recommendations that came from the Joint Taskforce with the Whanganui District Council in 2013.

"We established the role last year and are very appreciative of the work done by Gina Guigou, who was seconded to the campus manager role over the last eight months. "

Mrs Guigou is taking up her teaching role again within the hospitality and catering team.