York College and University Centre’s principal and chief executive Ken Merry took over as acting college boss almost a year ago, getting the role permanently in March this year.
Looking back on his time at the helm he said: "It's the best job I have ever had - it has it's challenges as you'd imagine, we have some golden students - respectful, well-prepared and eager to learn.
"This was my first Summer here and I found myself in largely empty buildings, but I didn't really appreciate how much I missed the students until they returned in the Autumn.
"On any one given day we have between 2,000 and 2,500 students on site and it's just great. I have worked in lots of colleges and it's my favourite."
Mr Merry, 41, was formerly vice-president for quality at Barnsley College and has also served as an Ofsted inspector.
He said that as the institution approaches its 200 year anniversary in 2027 he sees himself as a 'custodian and caretaker' of the college in Sim Balk Lane.
Recommended reading:
- New principal and chief executive revealed for college in York
- Sir Vince Cable speaks at York College graduation ceremony
- Top York students honoured in awards
YOU’LL FIND MORE ON THIS STORY AND OTHERS AT www.yorkpress.co.uk OR PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE NEWSPAPER ITSELF AVAILABLE SIX DAYS A WEEK AT YOUR LOCAL NEWSAGENT
Councillors have called for more powers over holiday lets, Right To Buy terms and to make developers use or lose planning permission as the Government looks to reform the system.
