West Nottinghamshire College has announced the appointment of its new permanent principal and chief executive.
Andrew Cropley is set to take over from interim principal and CEO Martin Sim. It is expected he will start the role in July 2019.
The college in Mansfield has had a turbulent year after facing financial difficulties, cutting jobs and closing its 'outstanding' nursery.
In 2018, the the college had asked the government for a £2.1m loan and was issued with a notice to improve its finances by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
In October last year, chief executive Dame Asha Khemka stepped down after the Mansfield college revealed it faced financial difficulties.
Mr Cropley said he was “excited” to be joining West Nottinghamshire College and to have the opportunity to play an instrumental role in its “rebirth”.
“I have an absolute passion for the mission of further education and I’ve loved every day that I have worked in the sector, seeing the amazing things that it does for young people and adults in enhancing their skills, employability and careers," he added.
“West Notts is a college that has so much to offer, in a community that needs a thriving, successful, local further education college. As somebody relatively local to the area, the opportunity to come and play a part in the rebirth of the college was one that I simply could not resist.
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“I am coming here to make it the best college that it can be; to make it part of a successful community and to enable everyone who comes through our doors to fulfil their potential. If we do that, then everything else will follow naturally. I’m really excited by the prospect.
"I very much see my role as enabling everyone in the college to do their absolute best for the benefit of our students and the communities of Mansfield and Ashfield.”
Welcoming the appointment, chair of governors Sean Lyons added: “After a rigorous selection process, we believe we have found the outstanding candidate in Andrew and we look forward to him joining us.
“Governors were hugely impressed with Andrew’s ambition for the college. He is a very people-orientated leader with a lot of experience of college curriculum, along with strong financial skills.
"We expect his focus internally will be on driving the transition between the existing shape and the new shape of the organisation, while also focusing externally on making sure the college builds on its role and reputation in the local community.
“There was extremely keen interest in the position, which shows that, despite the current difficulties, the college is still seen as a major player and a really attractive place to come to. We have found the best candidate out of a very strong field of applicants.”
Mr Cropley started his professional life within the armed forces, serving as staff officer for personnel development in the Royal Navy and as commanding officer of the Defence School of Languages in a 21-year naval career.
His first role in the education sector was as executive director at The Sheffield College, progressing to the position of executive director for strategic planning during his six years there.
He then joined Warwickshire College as group deputy principal (FE and HE curriculum), where he played a role in its merger with South Worcestershire College.
Mr Cropley took over as interim principal and chief executive of Stratford-upon-Avon College in 2017, and steered its merger with Solihull College and University Centre the following year, leading to improved performance, before joining Cadbury Sixth-Form College, in Birmingham.
Originally from Lowestoft, Suffolk, Mr Cropley is married to Andrea, with whom he has two daughters; Elinor, 13, and Madeline, 12. He is a trained meteorologist and oceanographer.
