accross College appoints new chair

Accrington & Rossendale College has appointed former student Brian Stephenson as chair of the board of governors.

Brian will replace the outgoing chair Dr Mike Lee who served as chair of governors for six years.

College principal Sue Taylor said: “Brian has been a governor at the college for 13 years and has been the vice chair for six years. He has made a large and valuable contribution during that time and he shares our vision for a vibrant and successful college, at the heart of our local community, going forward into the future.

"The chair of governors is a hugely important role as it helps shape the strategic direction of the entire college. I am delighted with Brian`s appointment, and agree with the rest of our board of governors that he is the ideal candidate to hold this position. I look forward to working with him during this exciting period for the college.”

Brian Stephenson, 42, of Accrington works within commercial banking for HSBC. During his career he has worked extensively across Lancashire and the North West supporting numerous local businesses.

He said: “I am honoured and excited to be chosen as the new chair of governors and I am extremely grateful to the outgoing chair, Dr Mike Lee for his leadership which has contributed significantly to the college being in the strong position it is today.

"This is an extremely challenging time for colleges. They face increased competition, financial cuts and stricter targets, but there are lots of reasons to be optimistic about our future. Our senior management team are extremely skilled and dedicated, our teaching staff are some of the best around and each and every year we show, through our awards and our results that we are one of the very best colleges in the country. "As a former student of the college I am fully aware of the place this college holds in the community and the positive effect it can have on peoples’ lives, so I look forward to helping continue that tradition.”