A talented graduate of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) in Paisley is hoping to secure an amazing double national honour after defying the advice of a teacher who thought he shouldn’t even go into higher education.
Andrew Campbell, 28, graduated with distinction on Wednesday with a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Project Management during a ceremony held at Paisley Abbey and collected it alongside some 140 peers.
Andrew’s success continued when he also won Scottish Student of the Year for his dissertation at the Association for Project Management (APM) Scotland awards in May.
He has since gone on to be further shortlisted for the APM National Student of the Year award, a ceremony for which takes place on Monday 18th November in London.
All of his achievements come despite a high school teacher once telling Andrew’s parents that he shouldn’t go to university and would be better off becoming an apprentice.
Born in Paisley and now living in Johnstone, Andrew first commenced civil engineering studies at UWS in 2011, before undertaking a module in project management which inspired him to do a postgraduate course in the same subject.
He is now working at Ryden LLP on exciting projects including Buchanan Wharf in Glasgow and hopes to one day become a partner.
Andrew said: “It feels great to have graduated. It’s been eight years of study and after all that time, I just wanted to pass, but I was ecstatic to get a distinction.
“It was then surreal to be named Scottish Student of the Year, and even more so, now that I’m going to London for the national ceremony. There’s tough competition, but I’ll just be delighted to have got that far. There’s also a free bar, which my dad is delighted about!
“UWS has played a big part in that. It gave me the confidence I need to really push myself.
“My courses have continued to be a great combination of industry practitioners giving insightful lectures and really good work-based opportunities, providing invaluable practical experience that has led to my current role with Ryden.”
Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of UWS presided over the Paisley Abbey graduation ceremony with Executive Director of HR Joanne Maguire giving the main address.
Professor Mahoney, said: “Huge congratulations must go to Andrew as he accepts his Master of Science degree; we are very proud to hear of his further achievements.
“He is an incredible example of someone for whom higher education has made a real difference and who will now go on to make a real impact in his field following his studies at UWS.
“From everyone at the University, we wish Andrew continued success.”
Photo: Andrew Campbell is pictured during a winter graduation ceremony alongsize Professor Craig Mahoney, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of UWS at the UWS Paisley Campus
Photo: Alan Harvey / SNS Group