Former Student Governor: Nominations now open
‘One minute you’re deciding on spending money on a new development at West Downs, the next you’re helping to set student recruitment targets’. Alumnus John McKenna (DipHE Social and Environmental Problems, 1986-1988) isn’t talking about his day job as a Senior Director of an international blue chip research and development company. He’s referring to his volunteer position as the Former Student Governor on the University of Winchester’s Board of Governors, where he provide a valuable alumni perspective on the oversight of the University today.
As a charity, the University needs a Board of Governors in place to provide the legal governance of the institution, ensuring the University is carrying out its purpose appropriately. Here at Winchester, the Board of Governors is made up of University Senior Management, Diocesan Governors, Co-opted Governors, Staff Governors, a Student Governor (the sitting Student Union President) and a Former Student Governor.
Nominations are now open for this role of Former Student Governor, and all alumni of the University- or any of our predecessor institutions- are eligible to run to serve for a term of three years, with the possibility of re-election for a further two terms. John has held the position since 2015, so his first three-year term is drawing to a close and he is eligible to stand for re-election.
The role is a significant one as Stephen Baldwin (Cert Ed 1963-66, Former Student Governor from 2009 to 2015) highlights: ‘being a governor is a serious commitment, with tough, interesting decisions to be made, but with enormous benefits to the individual holding the role’. From managing risk to charting a strategic vision, this opportunity provides exceptional experience in strategy and leadership, highly-sought in any career field.
‘I had never been a Governor or a Trustee of charity before’, comments John McKenna. ‘I am very aware as well that I did not come in with a huge amount of knowledge about the higher education sector or charitable governance, but I found that my professional experience and perspective was valued as were my views as someone who believes in and cares deeply for my alma mater. Since becoming a Governor, I have developed a keen interest in, and a greater understanding of, higher education and the complex environment in which it operates.’
As the Former Student Governor, John sits on a number of committees, including the Employability Committee; covering an area where his day job and experience can contribute to helping ensure our students receive the highest quality support as they prepare for their future.
Are you interested in being a future Former Student Governor, or do you know of an alumnus/a you think would be perfect? We would love to hear from any alumni interested in this Former Student Governor role.
For more information about the role, please contact Nigel.Trethewy@winchester.ac.uk , Clerk to the Board of Governors. For nomination papers, please email alumni@winchester.ac.uk . All candidates must be proposed and seconded by former students and must state their agreement to being nominated. The deadline for nominations to be received by the Alumni Office is now 25 May 2018. An election will follow the nomination process, where alumni can vote for who is appointed at the Winton Club’s AGM on 30 June and serving from 1 August for three years.
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