Professor William McKelvey, chief executive and principal, of the Scottish Agricultural College has received the OBE for services to the agricultural industry in the Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Date:
Mon, 13 Jun 2011
Source:
SAC/Scottish Government
Professor Bill McKelvey says he was "surprised but absolutely delighted" to learn he was to receive an OBE for services to the agricultural industry and commented: "I am very aware this honour mainly reflects the hard work of many other people at SAC.
"Throughout my career I have been privileged to work with a whole range of dedicated and committed colleagues. I owe them a great debt of gratitude."
Professor McKelvey recently announced that he is to step down in January next year after 10 years in charge of SAC.
During that period he has led a major reorganisation of the business which, as Scotland’s newest higher education institution, delivers internationally recognised education, research and consultancy for farming and related industries.
"There were some major challenges and tough decisions in the last 10 years, but I believe SAC is now a truly customer-focused organisation and is in an excellent position to help both policymakers and rural communities face the challenges of the future," he said.
"I regard this recognition as both a reward and a vote of confidence in SAC."
Professor McKelvey, a veterinary surgeon and the son of an Ulster farmer, joined SAC’s Veterinary Investigation team in 1988. He went on to manage SAC’s Veterinary Services and then the Corporate Operations Group before being appointed CEO and principal in 2002.
In March this year he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: "I would like to congratulate all of those who have been recognised in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list.
"A great number of Scots have been honoured for services to our communities in areas such as medicine, the voluntary sector, business, justice, human rights and helping the most vulnerable people in our society.
"The remarkable abilities and breadth of the achievements of all of our successful nominees should be a source of pride and celebration for everyone in Scotland."
SAC.
Read the full Queen's Birthday Honours list.
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