The principal of Dundee and Angus College has announced he will retire from the role next year.
Grant Ritchie has worked for the college for more than 30 years and built a reputation for delivering strong student success rates.
He will step down as principal and retire in July but also holds a number of senior positions on local planning and development groups.
Mr Ritchie said: “By July 2020, I will have had 35 years working for the college and I think the time is right for me to move on.
“When I took over as principal, I promised the board that I would give five years of energy and commitment to developing the best college in Scotland.
“This summer will see my five years complete and working alongside the magnificent workforce here, I think I have achieved the goals that I set out when appointed.”
Mr Ritchie said Dundee and Angus has an “enviable reputation as the best college in Scotland” and predicted it will “continue to go from strength to strength”.
He said: “We have stable finances, creativity in abundance and marvellous opportunities all around us.
“I have loved working for Dundee and Angus College, working with our amazing staff and working alongside so many fantastic local employers, organisations, and other colleagues.
“I have so many great memories to take with me and want to thank all of those I have worked with over the years for their hard work and dedication”.
Mr Ritchie is the current chairman of the Angus Community Planning Partnership, the Colleges Scotland skilled workforce forum, the SQA’s HN Next Generation Steering group, and the Energy Skills Partnership.
He is also vice-chairman of the Tay Cities Deal skills group and a board member of Gardyne Theatre Limited.
Mr Ritchie led the development of creative industries provision at Dundee and Angus College and was responsible for the £50m Gardyne Campus redevelopment and building of the Space Dance centre.
Under his leadership, the college consistently achieved strong student success rates, particularly among younger learners and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Mr Ritchie also led the Good to Great strategy that won the Campbell Christie Prize for public sector reform last year.
Angela McCusker, chair of the college’s management board, hailed Mr Ritchie’s record and contribution to learning in Tayside.
She said “On behalf of the board, I would like to wish Grant a long and happy retirement.
“He has done an excellent job as principal and has made a major contribution to developing the skills of young people in the region during his career with Dundee and Angus College.”
