Brian Doran, SRC champion of lifelong learning, steps down from Chief Executive role
Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive at Southern Regional College (SRC, has retired from service after more than 30 years of dedication to education.
Brian retired on 31st August after 15 years at the helm in the College’s most senior role.
At a special event on Thursday 31st August, Department for the Economy officials, representatives from Northern Ireland’s Further and Higher Education Colleges, Governing Body members and senior staff from across SRC came together at the College’s Newry West campus to celebrate Brian’s career.
Since taking office, Brian has been instrumental in growing the College into one of the largest education providers in Northern Ireland.
The College sees approximately 10,000 students enrolled annually and since his tenure began over 437,510 students have enrolled.
Brian has been passionate about lifelong learning and the College’s ethos of ‘Putting the Learner First’.
He has been instrumental in developing and delivering a wide range of programmes of study.
These range from the Schools Partnership Programme, addressing the need for school pupils to be provided with a wide range of learning opportunities suited to their needs and interest.
This was delivered through the development of a range of Higher Level Apprenticeships (HLAs).
HLAs allow individuals of all ages to gain a degree while in paid employment.
Under Brian’s leadership, the College has taken huge leaps in the development of HLAs supported by strong links with academic partners and the local business community.
Despite the massive remit, Brian has ensured the College has remained accessible to all.
Brian has been vocal in ensuring those with learning difficulties and special needs remain supported and have a route to continue with education after secondary school.
Indeed, the College is the only college in Northern Ireland with Autism accreditation.
With retirement commencing, Brian is set to spend more time working on his leisure activities.
Having dabbled with cycling over the years including leading the Further Education cycle last year, he is now set to work on his golf swing. After all, Brian is committed to lifelong learning!
The cycle saw Brian visit College campuses across Northern Ireland to raise awareness and funds for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland,
Raymond Sloan, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College said:
“As incoming CEO of Southern Regional College, I am inspired by the incredible legacy that Brian Doran has built over more than 30 years of dedicated service.
“Brian’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and student success has guided Southern Regional College in becoming a place of knowledge and opportunity for all.
“Brian has been instrumental to the advancement of the College.
“His tenure has seen many significant achievements, including leading Southern Regional College to become the top performing College in the UK in WorldSkills UK 2022.
“And also as well overseeing the delivery of our two new campuses at Armagh and Banbridge.
“His leadership has not only elevated the College’s reputation but has also shaped countless lives.
“It is an honour that I am now in a position to build upon the solid foundation he has established.”
Retirement 1
Caption: Presenting a retirement gift to Brian Doran is SRC’s Chair of the Governing Body Dr Thomas Moore.
Pictured (L-R): Dr Thomas Moore, Brian Doran
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Caption: Celebrating Brian Doran’s retirement is senior DfE officials and CEOs from Northern Ireland’s Further and Higher Education Colleges.
Pictured (L-R): Neil Madeley, DfE; Louise Watson, FE Director, DfE; Grainne Samm, DfE; Mel Higgins, CEO Northern Regional College; Louise Warde-Hunter, CEO, Belfast Met; Brian Doran; Leo Murphy, CEO North West Regional College; Ken Webb, CEO South Eastern Regional College; Celine McCartan, CEO South West College.
