University of the Highlands and Islands: Commercially astute and influential leader appointed to new vice-principal role

Dr Jen Vanderhoven has been appointed as vice-principal engagement at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Dr Vanderhoven will lead on the university’s strategic goal to engage with our communities and to strive for mutual benefit.

Dr Vanderhoven joins from Teesside University where she is currently the Director of the National Horizons Centre leading its development as a national centre of excellence for the life sciences sector, representing the centre nationally and globally.

Professor Todd Walker, principal and vice-chancellor welcomed the significant experience she brings to this new role: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Dr Vanderhoven to our new senior team and to our tertiary partnership. She has a significant track record of realising and leading strategic development and operational goals within large and complex commercial and academic environments.

“She will work with the rest of our senior team to lead our ‘daring to be different’ ethos, harness our energy and set new ambitions in our engagement – one for which our partnership is well prepared.”

Currently based in North Yorkshire, Dr Vanderhoven is looking forward to moving north: “I am excited and privileged to be joining the University of the Highlands and Islands to lead the engagement with the university’s stakeholder communities. I was inspired to read the university’s ‘Daring to be different’ strategic plan, and I look forward to being a key player in its journey to having a transformational impact on the prospects of the region, its economy, its people and its communities.”

Dr Vanderhoven will take up her post in January 2022.