Principal’s
Welcome
Welcome to the latest issue of QMYou. Firstly, I will take this
opportunity to share with you the news of my plans to retire at
the end of this academic year. By that time, I will have served as
Principal of Queen Margaret University (QMU) for ten years. It has
been my absolute pleasure to lead the development of QMU during
that time, to have worked with such dedicated and passionate
staff, and to have met so many talented and inspiring students and
graduates, both at our campus in Scotland and overseas at our
partner institutions in India, Singapore, Nepal, Egypt and Greece.
Since its first inception back in 1875, QMU has remained steadfast
in its commitment to promoting social justice, improving quality of
life and enhancing the student experience. It was QMU’s values
that attracted me to the Principal’s post in the first instance, and
our work in creating a university without borders, which provides
outstanding learning and development opportunities for students
to reach their potential, no matter their background, is something
of which I am particularly proud.
The articles in this issue of the magazine provide an insight into
the important work that QMU continues to do in responding to
the changing needs of society. One of our most substantial areas
of development over the last year is our move into the delivery
of teacher education. From September 2019, QMU will educate
the next generation of primary teachers in Scotland. In a return to
its roots, the University will also be educating home economics
teachers who will fill vital posts in Scottish secondary schools.
You can read more about our fresh approach to primary and home
economics teaching on pages 6 and 7.
In our strive to respond to student needs and ensure students get
the most out of their university experience, QMU has prioritised the
development of a programme to support students with their mental
health and wellbeing. More than 25% of QMU staff are now trained
in Scotland’s Mental Health First Aid. You can read more about our
work in this important area on page 8.
Recently, we were one of the first Scottish universities to launch
a British Sign Language (BSL) Action Plan. Our plan not only aligns
with our exciting developments in BSL teaching, but supports the
Scottish Government in its ambition for Scotland to be the best
place in the world for BSL users to live, work and visit.
We always enjoy sharing news of our student and graduate
successes. Over the last year, we have been particularly impressed
with Lauren Leisk, founder of Fodilicious, who has had tremendous
success on the entrepreneurial awards circuit across the UK. Read
our feature on pages 20 and 21 to find out how Lauren is plugging
a gap in the market for healthy convenience meals for people with
digestive disorders.
As always, I encourage you to stay connected with QMU. Indeed,
you might feel able to contribute to the University’s work and its
students, for example, through mentoring, offering internships,
donating to the Student Development Fund, leaving a legacy in your
will or just spreading the word about our work and our successes. I
thank you for your support of QMU, and I hope that you will continue
to engage with and promote the University in the years to come.
Professor Petra Wend, PhD, FRSA, FRSE
Principal and Vice Chancellor
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
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QMYOU / Principal’s Introduction