Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan appoints new Abu Dhabi University Chancellor

The decision is based on Professor Macpherson's extensive professional background which includes senior positions as a professor and Director at the Centre for Professional Development, the University of Auckland and the Chief Executive Officer of Waiariki Institute of Technology - Whare Takiura, New Zealand.

"Teaching and research are important strengths of a University," said His Excellency Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Chairman, Abu Dhabi University. "During the appointment process we have been most impressed by the depth of Professor Macpherson's insights on strategic issues facing Universities at this time. He has extensive knowledge in the analysis of the current higher education environment and the impact of present trends in the educational field supported by his firm and determined approach to the management and governance of an institution," he added.

"I am honored to serve as Foundation Chancellor of Adu Dhabi University," says Professor Macpherson. "Its vision, mission and values are based on a vocational philosophy of helping the international professionals of tomorrow gain access to the best of universal knowledge and timeless truths today. HH Sheikh Hamdan's vision is of a world-class university that provides the human capital required for the development of the UAE and the greater Gulf region. His vision implies a key indicator of institutional success; graduates with the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to succeed anywhere."

Professor Macpherson has a proven track record of successfully leading educational institutions during his international career, which spans 3 decades, in Scotland, England, Western Australia and New Zealand, and now the UAE. Having completed his PhD in the leadership of education systems at Monash University, Professor Macpherson's research at the University of New England focussed on educative leadership and is intended to help those who lead (and their organisations) to learn. His research at the University of Tasmania expanded to include educative accountabilities at system and institutional level. His appointment to the University of Auckland in 1997 enabled his research to focus on academic leadership, organisational development and the evaluation of teaching. Upon his appointment as Chief Executive Officer at Waiariki Institute of Technology in January 2002, Professor Macpherson's main research interest was the link between institutional and regional development. During his time at the institute, he led approximately 500 part-time and full-time staff, managed a $30 million budget and delivered appropriate programmes to around 9,500 students on seven campuses.

"Higher educational institutions are faced with many demands for change in the way they are managed, the way they conduct research and operate as places of learning," commented Al Dhaheri. "Professor Macpherson's brilliant career and international reputation in research, with a strong track record in administration, will complement the existing Abu Dhabi University senior management. I am confident that I will be supported by one of the best teams in the educational system in the United Arab Emirates."

Professor Macpherson has a PhD in strategic management of education systems from Monash University, a Master of Educational Administration in institutional managements from the University of New England, an MBA from the University of Waikato and a BA in Mathematics and Management from the University of Waikato. He has been awarded significant distinctions and awards for his exceptional work in auditing, senior editing, educational administration fellowships and leadership society fellowships, to name a few.

A distinguished author, Professor Macpherson has published several books on various topics in education and educational administration. He has also written academic journals and reviews, technical reports and research grants & funding. He is an active member of several professional societies; having contributed his work to the International Council of Experiential Learning Conference and the Commonwealth Council of Educational Administration.