Bridgend College has announced two new appointments to its Governing Body.
Emma Adamson becomes Chair and Joanne (Jo) Oak is the new Vice-Chair.
The college said Emma was a passionate supporter, having served on the Governing Body since October 2021. She is currently part of the senior leadership team at the University of South Wales as Director of Learning Services, whilst also serving in an advisory capacity to the British Library and as a Leadership Associate with Advance HE.
Emma will take up this role following the appointment of Jeff Greenidge, outgoing Chair of the college’s Governing Body, to the Board of the newly formed Commission for Tertiary Education and Research (CTER) in Wales.
Jo Oak, who also currently serves on the College’s Governing Body and is Chair of the Resource Planning Committee, is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Valleys to Coast Housing Association in Bridgend.
The college said Jo is committed to supporting and enabling community regeneration and a better Bridgend, with extensive experience on a number of Welsh Government committees, parliamentary groups and advisory boards across housing, health and social care.
Emma Adamson, new Chair of the Governing Body of Bridgend College, said:
“Bridgend College showcases the positive impact that education plays on the lives of students, communities, employers and wider society. It’s a genuine privilege to be the new Chair, and with my fellow Governors, I look forward to working with Vivienne and her senior leadership team, and with Jo Oak as Vice Chair, to ensure the continued success of the College and the realisation of its ambitions for learner and community success. I would also like to express my personal thanks and gratitude to Jeff for his support during this time, and I wish him every success in his new role.”
Vivienne Buckley, Principal and Chief Executive of Bridgend College, said:
“It has been wonderful to work alongside Emma and Jo, who have been part of the Governing Body of the College for the last few years. As avid supporters of the College and the importance of lifelong learning, both Emma and Jo have always championed the interests of our students, staff and our communities being at the heart of all decision-making. I am absolutely delighted that they will continue to provide support, challenge and accountability to the senior leadership team as we look ahead to our upcoming centenary and an exciting future.”