Randall Whittaker appointed as principal of Rose Bruford College

Rose Bruford College has appointed Randall Whittaker as its principal and chief executive. 

Whittaker is taking over from acting principal Mary Oliver, who will now return to the role of vice principal. The role changes will start from the 2023/24 academic year. 

Currently pro-vice-chancellor academic at Leeds Arts University, Whittaker is a serving member of higher education member charity Advance HE’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is known for his work on representation in the sector. 

On the appointment, Whittaker said: ‘[Rose Bruford College] has an impressive pioneering spirit and its graduates make a significant contribution to the global creative industries. 

‘I was impressed with the talented students, staff and governors I met during the search process. Specialist creative and technical education operate in a challenging and highly agile environment, but I see many opportunities ahead.’

He added: ‘I look forward to working with the Rose Bruford community to enhance its wider societal impact through cultural intelligence, research and to provide outstanding training for global creative and critically aware citizens.’

Rose Bruford board chair Jennifer Sims said: ‘I am delighted that Randall Whittaker will be joining us as principal. 

‘His background as a successful and innovative leader in specialist arts-based institutions, his involvement at a national level in the promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion in higher education, and his compelling vision for the future development of the college make him an ideal choice.’