A former hourly-paid lecturer who has spent more than two decades climbing the ranks at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has been appointed as its next principal and chief executive.
Shelley Brown will take over the role from Craig Hodgson when he retires at the end of this year.
Currently working as deputy principal, Shelley was ‘wholeheartedly endorsed’ by the college’s governing board and will take up her new position on 1 January 2027.
Chair of governors Simon Leech said: “Thank you to everyone involved in this rigorous selection process. It is a testament to NSCG’s internal strength that our next principal and chief executive is one of our own.
“Over her 23-year tenure, Shelley has built exceptional relationships with our staff, students, and partners. Craig sets a remarkably high bar, but Shelley possesses the proven leadership and expertise to ensure NSCG remains one of the top-performing general further education colleges in the country.
“We are excited for the future and wish her every success in her new role.”
Shelley joined Newcastle-under-Lyme College as an hourly-paid lecturer in 2003 and she has since held numerous management roles at different levels.
Her qualifications include a BSc and an MSc in Sport & Exercise Science from Manchester Metropolitan University, a Certificate in Education and she has also completed the Chartered Institute for FE’s Technical Leadership Programme for Future Principals.
Commenting on her appointment, she said: “Further education has the unique power to transform lives and after a career dedicated to the sector, that is still what drives me every day.
“I feel incredibly proud and privileged to take on the leadership of NSCG. Following in Craig’s footsteps is an honour, and I want to thank him for his exceptional leadership.
“NSCG is a genuinely special place and I look forward to continuing to work alongside our brilliant staff and partners to keep delivering the outstanding education and opportunities our region deserves.”
Craig said: “I have loved every minute of my time at NSCG and feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside such fantastic learners and a truly amazing staff team.
“I am absolutely delighted to hand over the reins to Shelley. Having worked closely with her for the last 23 years, I know first-hand her sector expertise and her relentless drive to achieve the absolute best for our students.
“She is exactly the right person to take the college forward, and I wish her every success in her new role.”
