College Principal presented with OBE award
Dr Ann Williams, Principal of West Suffolk College, went to Buckingham Palace in January to collect the OBE for services to Further Education which she was awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2011.
Dr Williams said: “I feel very thrilled to have been nominated by my colleagues. I am passionate about the value of Further Education and about West Suffolk College.
“The investiture was a very splendid occasion, and very special for my family. My children Amie and George and my partner Edward, accompanied me to Buckingham Palace, and I think it is fair to say we all glowed with pride.
"Afterwards, we were able to meet up for a special celebratory lunch with the whole family.
"In the evening I was able to show my medal to my father, Jack, who has always been a tremendous source of support and inspiration for me. I know he is very proud of this achievement as am I.”
Dr Williams, who was presented with a 30 years long service award at the College in December, had already worked at West Suffolk College for more than twenty years when she took over as Principal in 2002.
Under her leadership, the College has embarked on a multi-million pound redevelopment programme, won an Outstanding grading from Ofsted inspectors and been awarded Beacon status as a shining example of excellence in teaching and learning. The College has grown dramatically in size and now enrols over 19,000 students including Higher Education undergraduates, and Apprentices.
Dr Williams started at West Suffolk College as a part time lecturer, teaching biology, then a lecturer in Liberal Studies. After maternity leave, she returned in a new role as CPVE (Certificate of Pre-Vocational Education) co-ordinator with the College before moving into senior management. In 1990 she was promoted to the Senior Management Team. For seven years, from 1995, she was Director of Curriculum and Quality and is well steeped in teaching and learning and the importance of quality.
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