New OCASA President
The OCA Student Association announced yesterday that Teresa Lanham will become the new OCASA President in February. Teresa, a level one photography student was nominated by fellow students and elected unopposed. I look forward to meeting Teresa and working with her.
Teresa will be the third OCASA President and will succeed John Umney who has held the position since November 2012. John took over the role just as the OCA, in common with other Higher Education providers, was coming to terms with the revolution in funding that took place in September 2012. It is worth remembering that the changes at that time saw undergraduate arts education move from a subject which received enhanced funding to one which received no direct funding.
Together with fellow OCASA committee members, John has worked tireless for students’ interests, arguing successfully for the creation of Course Support Advisers at the OCA Head Office and urging us to consider the needs of all students and in particular those for whom the OCA’s open learning model was the only effective option to study the arts at an advanced level.
As the student representative on the OCA Board of Trustees, John’s considered input has won him considerable respect and influence. On the finely balanced decision about whether the OCA should develop a Music degree, John ensured the voice of existing students was heard and was a decisive influence. He will be a hard act to follow.
Gareth Dent
Principal
Congrats to Teresa; and thank you to John!
Congratulations Teresa, best of luck in your new role.
Congratulations Teresa and thank you for taking on this role. I wish you luck and trust that you will have the support of both us students when you need it and the OCA management team. All the best. Regards, Doug
Congratulations Teresa, I’m sure you’ll do a great job. Thanks as well to John who has done so much during his time as President on students’ behalf.
Well there was no one more pleased than me when John took over three years ago – if you know what I mean! (Some will!) A resounding ‘well done’ to John (and the team) for developing OCASA’s involvement and influence so successfully. The students (and OCA) owe you a big debt of gratitude for your time, efforts and achievement. A big ‘thanks’ from me, too!
… and best of luck to Teresa.
Welcome aboard, Teresa – thank you for your involvement and commitment.
And, a huge ‘thank you’, John – I think you really made it a meaningful and positive role and have massively helped progress things for the college in many ways indeed, particularly being an integral relay point between the college and the student body to convey and communicate back important and at times very challenging changes.
All the best – and send me an assignment soon!
I’m scribbling, I’m scribbling, thanks Jesse
Many thanks for all your hard work John. You will be a difficult act to follow but I am sure they Theresa will rise to the challenge.
Thanks to John, whose intelligent and genuine support I have really appreciated, and good luck Teresa!
It has been a pleasure working with John on the Committee…and I look forward to working with Teresa too.
Thank you John.I’m so pleased to see how widely you are appreciated and respected.
Teresa, I wish you a successful term. I hope you are supported on all sides, to uphold the values and principles of the college.
Thanks for all your hard work John – you are a hero and an all-round splendid human being. And welcome Teresa – thanks for stepping up to the plate on our behalf!
Thanks for all the kind words, it was a pleasure and an honour. Please provide the same support to Teresa as you’ve given me.
A big thank you for your efforts and successes during your time as president…Well done John.
Welcome Teresa, I look forward to working with you… and thanks John for all the commitment you’ve shown for supporting the student experience at OCA. I’ve really enjoyed working with you and the level of insight, humour and general good naturedness you’ve brought to the table! All the best and keep in touch
Christian
Christian, I really enjoyed it as well, your advice will stay with me for a long while; as will the image of one of your stage acts…perhaps too long!
A huge thanks to John for the immense amount of work he has put in over the last three years.
A bit late but big congratulations….enjoy