York College and University Centre’s principal and chief executive Ken Merry took over as acting college boss almost a year ago, getting the role permanently in March this year.
Looking back on his time at the helm he said: "It's the best job I have ever had - it has it's challenges as you'd imagine, we have some golden students - respectful, well-prepared and eager to learn.
"This was my first Summer here and I found myself in largely empty buildings, but I didn't really appreciate how much I missed the students until they returned in the Autumn.
"On any one given day we have between 2,000 and 2,500 students on site and it's just great. I have worked in lots of colleges and it's my favourite."
Mr Merry, 41, was formerly vice-president for quality at Barnsley College and has also served as an Ofsted inspector.
He said that as the institution approaches its 200 year anniversary in 2027 he sees himself as a 'custodian and caretaker' of the college in Sim Balk Lane.
Recommended reading:
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- Sir Vince Cable speaks at York College graduation ceremony
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