New Kelvin College principal sets bold direction

Joanna Campbell, Glasgow Kelvin College’s new principal, has outlined a clear vision focused on sustainability, social justice and inclusive growth.

Returning to Glasgow after leading Dumfries and Galloway College, Joanna brings a strong background in environmental leadership, including multiple UK Green Gown Awards. 

She previously held senior roles at City of Glasgow College and Education Scotland.

Joanna’s appointment comes as Kelvin strengthens its position in green skills education, having recently won an International Green Gown Award and developed its Green Academy to train students in low-carbon technologies.

She said: “This college has a clear mission – to serve some of the most deprived communities in Scotland, and to do so in a way that is bold, inclusive and future-facing. 

“It’s a purpose I feel deeply connected to. 

“I can see clear alignment between that mission and the transformational work already being done.”

Joanna’s early focus includes deepening partnerships with industry and community organisations, extending access to education in underserved areas and aligning the curriculum with Glasgow’s net-zero goals and economic priorities.

Tackling child poverty and widening access to higher education are also key priorities, alongside meeting Scotland’s evolving workforce needs across health, social care, digital and construction sectors.

Joanna added: “We want to ensure our curriculum is fully aligned with the skills Glasgow needs for the future.

“Whether that’s in health and care, sustainable construction, data and digital, or the green economy, we need to be responsive and ambitious.”

As the Scottish Government reforms skills planning and funding, Joanna is calling for greater recognition of the college sector’s role in supporting economic growth and social mobility.

Joanna added: “Colleges like Kelvin have a huge role to play in social mobility. 

“We provide skills and qualifications, but also opportunity and hope. 

“From ESOL and access courses right through to university access programmes, we create pathways for people who are often furthest from the labour market.

“Thanks to the leadership of my predecessor Derek Smeall during some of the most challenging times the sector has ever seen, we’ve been prudent, we’ve delivered against our targets and now we have an opportunity to build on that work and grow further. 

“But we need the system to recognise the scale of impact colleges make – particularly when we have seen a 17 per cent drop in funding since 2021/22.”

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