First Student Women’s oOfficer in Scotland appointed at Edinburgh College

Edinburgh College is the first college in Scotland to have a full-time women’s officer after announcing the four students elected as the new Students’ Association leaders for the next 12 months.

Instead of being campus specific, as previously, the four sabbatical posts now focus on student priorities including education, welfare and activities as well as the newly introduced role focusing on issues specifically affecting female students.

The new Student President is Kelly Parry, from Midlothian, and the Vice President Women’s Officer is Katy Nixon, from Galashiels.

Kelly Parry, aged 30, graduated with HNCs in social sciences and business and is now on sabbatical.

She says: “It’s a great honour to be elected by my fellow students as President and I’m looking forward to a challenging but enjoyable year of working to improve the lives of students studying at Edinburgh College. As a previous Vice President I’ve built up a great relationship with staff and management at Edinburgh College this year and I hope to continue to foster this positive partnership.”

Vice President Women’s Officer Katy Nixon is also celebrating winning the NUS Inspirational Student of the Year Award at the first ever NUS Scotland’s Women’s Campaign Awards. Katy impressed judges with her dedication to raising awareness of violence towards women whilst successfully juggling family life with her college course.

The 26 year old, who is studying towards a HNC in Counselling at Edinburgh College, was the driving force behind the college’s ‘One Billion Rising’ event which highlighted the serious issue of women experiencing violence.

Katy says: “I am inspired by various women who I am surrounded by on a daily basis and I am really passionate about highlighting issues that affect us modern women. Thanks to my new role as Women’s Officer at Edinburgh College I will now be able to highlight these issues further and hopefully inspire and motivate women to stand up for themselves and their rights.”

James Moohan, who lives in Prestonpans, is the new Vice President Education and Raph Lehmann, from Edinburgh, has been named Vice President Welfare and Activities. The team of four take up their new posts later this month.

Robin Parker, President of NUS Scotland, said: -”In the upcoming year, Edinburgh College Students’ Association sets a new precedent as being the first college or university in Scotland with a full-time women’s officer. This historic development is excellent news for students, and we look forward to working together with the entire officer team at Edinburgh College to help keep further education issues front and centre in the national conversation about improving education quality in Scotland.

Photography caption: (L-R) Katy Nixon, Raph Lehmann, James Moohan and Kelly Parry. High resolution images are available upon request

Submitted by Samantha McKay-Challen