Thursday 21 August 2008

 

APPOINTMENT OF A NEW DIRECTOR FOR THE NAFC MARINE CENTRE

 

The Trustees of the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway, Shetland announced today the appointment of Professor David Gray as the new Director of the Centre.

 

Professor Gray is a marine biologist and currently Dean of Faculty at the University of Derby in Buxton, England. He has an Honours Degree from the School of Ocean Sciences at the University College of North Wales, Bangor and a PhD from the Department of Zoology & Entomology, Rhodes University, South Africa.

 

After lecturing at Rhodes University, David took up a position at Hartpury College of the University of the West of England, where he subsequently was appointed Deputy Principal and Dean of Faculty.  He moved to the University of Derby in 2004 as Head of the School of Culture and Lifestyle and was appointed Dean of Faculty in December 2006.

 

Professor Gray has been responsible for providing all teaching at both further and higher education levels (including Doctoral studies).  The University of Derby is a focus for the whole local community and David is site manager for the recently renovated Devonshire Campus in Buxton, managing five commercial units on the campus.

 

David was awarded a personal Professorial Chair in 2007 by the University of Derby in recognition of his academic leadership and international reputation as an education practitioner.  He is a member of the Institute of Learning & Teaching in Higher Education and a fellow of the Higher Education Academy. 

 

Professor Gray’s interests in marine biology include marine inter-tidal ecology, biological rhythms and body clocks, optimal foraging theory, and marine eco-physiology, while his professional interests include the operation and management of mixed economy educational institutions.

 

David is married to Janine, with three daughters, Rebecca and Emma (twins aged 9) and Bethan (aged 5).  He plays a variety of musical instruments but is most active playing the tuba and is a member of the Glossop Old Brass Band - the North East England Champions!

 

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Gray said: “This is my dream job: it will give me the opportunity to marry my chosen discipline of marine biology with the academic leadership skills that I have acquired during my career to date.

 

“I believe that Shetland will be the perfect location to bring up our family.  I grew up in Cornwall and feel that Shetland offers the same family-orientated lifestyle and community support that I enjoyed as a child.  We also look forward to enjoying the islands’ fantastic wildlife and environment and greatly appreciate the low crime rate.

 

“Although I will not officially take up my position until December, I will be spending time in Shetland at the NAFC Marine Centre in advance to get to know the people and familiarise myself with the position so that I can hit the ground running in December.”

 

Tony Hawkins, the interim Director of the Centre said today “We are very fortunate to have secured the services of Professor Gray.  Having a Director of his stature and experience will reinforce our position as a leading provider of training, research, and advice for the nautical, fisheries, engineering, aquaculture and food industries. 

 

“The Centre itself provides training and education to support the maritime industries which underpin the economy of Shetland.  Under Professor Gray’s leadership, it will continue to strengthen partnerships with local industries, schools, colleges and other research and training providers to meet Shetland’s needs in the most effective way.”

 

Iris Hawkins, the chair of the NAFC Marine Centre is delighted with the new appointment, she said: “I am pleased that Professor Gray has the experience and understands the importance of education and training to local communities and local businesses.  He will be able to help us ensure that our training programmes are well matched to local needs.  His research background in marine biology fits in with our own scientific programme which is tailored to the needs of the fishing and aquaculture industries.”

 

Further information from:

Tony Hawkins, director of NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01224 868984 or email

Or, Isabel Johnson, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email