Professor John Harper was elected as Vice-Chair of the University Court in October 2022.
John was born and raised in Wick in the North of Scotland before moving to Aberdeen where he studied for both an honours degree and a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Aberdeen. He entered higher education as a lecturer in Chemistry at the former Robert Gordon Institute of Technology and subsequently progressed to senior-lectureship and on to become the Head of School of Applied Sciences.
In his role as Head of School, John was involved in a range of national activities, including teaching quality assessment, external examining and course development and approval. This contributed to his attaining the award of Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
John was promoted to the role of Assistant Principal/Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care before progressing to the role of Vice Principal and subsequently Deputy Principal and Vice-Chancellor, with specific responsibility for Academic Quality and Development.
In 2010-11, John stepped up to the role of Acting Principal following the unexpected passing of the then Principal. In 2018, he again agreed to take on the role of Principal for a two-year fixed term.
In his final period of office, in addition to dealing with the expected challenges, he led the university in its transition off campus due to the COVID-19 crisis.
As a leader, John, was passionate that the university be judged by what it does and what it achieves and inspired staff, students, and stakeholders to deliver on RGU鈥檚 strategic mission: to transform individuals and communities by providing demand-led teaching and research to contribute to economic, social and cultural development.
The success of his leadership is evidenced by the Teaching & Excellence Framework Gold award, achievements in widening access, by a sector leading employability rate and, as he retired, RGU achieving the accolade of Scottish University of the Year in the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.
John is a lay member of the University Court, appointed on 1 December 2020.
Register of interests:
Business interests - Nil
Company directorships - Nil
Trusteeships - Voluntary Services Aberdeen (VSA)
Membership of organisations - Nil
Other declarable interests - Emeritus Professor at Robert Gordon University
