Harper Life Magazine 2020

—Harper Life Nov 2020 12 Arrivals and departures— ABIGAILRETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS In August 2020, we said farewell to Dr Abigail Hind, who retired after making a significant contribution to the university over almost thirty years. Abigail joined Harper Adams in 1990, following experience in the agricultural marketing sector. Lecturing in agri-business, Abigail began to take an interest in course management, later developing her career by completing her PhD part time at Aberystwyth while continuing to teach on campus. In 2000, she was seconded to the post of Head of Educational Development and Quality Assurance for two years before taking on the position full time. Within this role she helped Harper Adams to flourish, and contributed to many successes, including the development of the Aspire Centre, one of the projects she most enjoyed working on during her time with the University. Abigail became a QAA auditor in 2010 and Academic Registrar in 2012, before acquiring the title of Director of Academic Services and Academic Registrar to represent the full breadth of her Department’s activities. Having been in this role for seven years, there are countless moments that highlight her contribution to the institution. However, most significantly, she has been key in maintaining the happiness and success of our students who enjoy their time at Harper Adams. As a member of the Senior Management team, Abigail worked closely with those striving to help the University provide the very best educational experience for its students. Dr David Llewellyn, Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams, commented: “Abigail has played a hugely important role in the University over many years and in a variety of posts. The senior team will miss her contribution to our work, and we wish her all the very best for a long and happy retirement.” SIMONRETIRES AFTER NEARLYTHREEDECADES Simon Keeble retired in October 2020 after nearly three decades lecturing for, and a lengthy period managing, the land and property management degrees. Described as a “cornerstone” of the REALM degree, Simon is expected to return when celebrations are possible, for a proper send-off from Harper. FAREWELL FOLLOWEDBY ANHONOUR FORCARWYN Carwyn Ellis retired as head of the Animals Department in late 2019 and was subsequently honoured by AMTRA for his Outstanding Contribution. Phil Sketchley, Chairman of Amtra said: “It gives me great pleasure to present the award this year for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry...he has made many years contribution and service to the AMTRA council as an observer, and has undoubtably been pivotal in making the SQP and RAMA sector work and has had the respect from all involved in this sector and indeed the government bodies that control us. “With over 30 years of contributions to the sector, Carwyn helped train the very first candidates in 1985/86 to gain their Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) status and has importantly since then helped manage the transition to a prescription only based model in 2005 after the launch of the then new VMR. “He’s made a major influence and contribution to our sector and brought about the introduction of an approved CPD programme and also brought in the modular system of examinations which supported the introductions of the companion animal qualification, the vet nurse qualification and more recently moving us to level 5 for farm RAMAs” Phil continued. Carwyn retired from his post as Head of Animal Welfare, Production and Veterinary Science last year, but continues his links with Harper Adams University as a visiting lecturer. www.harper-adams.ac.uk