Betty was a Governor of West Suffolk College in the 1990s, progressing to become Chair of Governors in 2002. Betty and Principal Dr Ann Williams (now Ruthven) formed a strong and very productive working relationship. They presided over significant growth of West Suffolk College in both student numbers and increasing and updating the estate, as well as ensuring an excellent standard of education for the students. After nearly two decades of service, Betty retired in 2011. She was awarded an MBE in 2009, in recognition of her dedicated work within education in Suffolk.
What made you join Eastern Education Group?
Betty’s involvement with West Suffolk College began as a Governor in the early 1990s, and she later became Chairman of Governors. She was a Governor for 20 years and was Vice Chairman while Richard Stewart was Chair. She then took over from Richard when he retired in 2002.
In addition to being a college Governor, she was chair of Suffolk County Council Education Committee, and was also a Governor at Roughan Primary, Whelnetham Primary, Horringer Primary and King Edwards VI Upper School. Betty had previously been a teacher, which enabled her to have a good knowledge of what is needed to run a successful school/college.
She has commented on the good relationship between the senior management team of the College and the Governors – an openness and that produced a very positive working relationship.
Betty also recalled chairing a panel discussion at the Association of College’s annual meeting in Birmingham, in front of hundreds of delegates. The College management team who attended were very proud of her.
Betty encouraged Principal Dr Ann Williams to bring local and county councillors, employers, and Governors from other colleges to learn about our college. Part of this was based on the College’s Outstanding Ofsted award, and partly to share the facilities and potential the college had to offer the locality. Together they did a presentation, then a tour of facilities, followed by either a dinner or a breakfast in the restaurant to showcase the hospitality students.
She recalled excellent student awards ceremonies, at the Corn Exchange and the Cathedral, Hair and Beauty competitions and Graduation ceremonies with a full to bursting cathedral and Bury St Edmunds full of graduating students in their gowns. The end-of-term staff parties provided by the Staff Association were legendary. Another notable celebration was the Sunday Times 100 Top Employers 2007, which took place in London.
In addition to students doing well, she recalls lots of building programmes, and feels proud that the College wanted to name a building after her: the Milburn Centre. In 2009, Betty was awarded the MBE for Services to Education in Suffolk.
Do you have any special memories from your time with us?
Chairing a very effective college, responding to the needs of its community and having an Outstanding Ofsted report. The Ofsted feedback 2006 was “Governors and senior managers set clear strategic direction. Governance is excellent. Governors have a good blend of experience and use their knowledge of finance, law, and human relations management to good effect.” In 2010, Governance was graded as Outstanding. Governors are particularly active in gaining a broader understanding of the learners’ experience through well-established and productive faculty links.
Are there any family members who have connections to EEG?
Yes, grandson is a Higher Education student on the Business Management degree.
What did you go onto to do after college?
I’m now retired.
Is there a message you would like to share as we celebrate our 100 years of history?
The College must have contributed to the lives of many in our community and is a very valuable part of the town’s heritage.
Lastly, do you have any advice for future students and staff at EEG?
I wish the College well; build on your good foundations and you will continue to be very successful.
