98
James Miller,
MBA, 1998
What part did Edinburgh Napier play in helping you
shape your career?
“Having had a largely clinical background, the world
of management was a slightly daunting one and
having the opportunity to extend my knowledge,
skills and expertise through an MBA was perfect. I
was also very fortunate to have the support of my
then Chief Executive, Paul Taylor, at West Lothian
NHS Trust. Paul, who sadly died at a very young
age, was a very inspirational leader.
“I chose Napier for a variety of reasons – location,
structure, content and delivery of the course and
the fact that it was a mixed group of participants.
Being able to apply learning in the workplace, in
real time, was not something I had thought about
in advance but it very quickly became a clear
advantage.”
What are your favourite memories of your time at
Edinburgh Napier?
“The cohort I studied with was great fun and the
study groups we developed were hugely beneficial.
Gryff, one of my study mates used to stay over
during the study weekends and we would have long
chats into the wee small hours over a dram — I must
track him down!”
Describe your career progression so far?
“Having spent 20+ years in the health service, the
move to a non-NHS organisation felt like a huge
leap of faith on my part. My five years as Chief
Executive of the Royal College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Glasgow was a fantastic experience and
exposed me to a number of different environments
from which I was able to consider a move into other
sectors. Having been involved in higher education
throughout my career (but not necessarily
employed directly), the higher education sector
was perhaps a natural next step.
“I now lead The Open University in Scotland, which
makes me responsible for over 16,000 students in
Scotland, who are part of a bigger family of around
250,000 students across the whole University. The
team of academic (including almost 650 associate
lecturers) and academic-related staff work with
colleagues in all four countries of the UK to deliver
an unsurpassed student experience. That’s not
me just saying that – the National Student Survey
results since 2005 are the clear evidence!”
Describe aspects of your role that you find most
enjoyable and rewarding?
“As with many roles, it is seeing the fruits of your
efforts that make it the most rewarding. Seeing
the vast array of students, from such different
backgrounds, achieve their ambition, in many cases
overcoming significant adverse situations and
barriers is enormously rewarding.”