Peter Neil

Although Peter Neil found his time at Edinburgh challenge, it was still certainly an enjoyable experience and was a stepping stone towards two equally interesting and complementary careers.

Your time at the University

I found my time at Edinburgh challenging in many ways but I enjoyed every minute of it. There was such a sense of community within the German department and around Buccleuch Place and George Square. 

The residences at Pollock Halls were excellent and Edinburgh as a city provided such a variety of cultural experiences. There was a great variety of activities provided both within the University but also in the wider community. I remember getting involved in adult literacy classes and helping in local churches. 

In every way the foundation I gained at Edinburgh provided me with a platform on which I have built for the rest of my life.

I was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University in May 2013; this is a Church of England foundation institution so that this post will enable me to bring my two areas of expertise together – theology and education.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

I entered teaching and then higher education, working in Queen’s University Belfast, then Aberystwyth University and currently the University of the West of Scotland. I studied theology at Queen’s and then at Cardiff and was ordained Anglican Priest in the Church in Wales. I therefore had two complementary careers (University education and Church life). I was appointed Vice-Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University in May 2013; this is a Church of England foundation institution so that this post will enable me to bring my two areas of expertise together – theology and education.

Alumni wisdom

Make the best of what you have got in order to make a difference to the lives of others.