New interim principal for ABDO College

Nina McDermott

Nina McDermott has been appointed as interim principal of ABDO College following the departure of Dr Rob Cubbidge.

A higher education consultant, Nina’s most recent role was as executive director of the School of Professional and Continuing Education at King’s College London, where she successfully led the design, development and set up of the cross-university school. With overall responsibility for more than 11,000 students and 400 staff, Nina also sat on the University Executive and Academic Board.

Nina has previously worked and taught at the University of Salford, University of Manchester, London School of Economics and Political Science and University of East London, with experience across both Russell Group and newer universities.

Nina will act as interim principal while ABDO College adapts to offer a new apprenticeship in dispensing optics alongside its current range of courses. She will bring to this role substantial senior leadership experience and a strong track record in constructive stakeholder engagement.

Nina said: “It is evident that ABDO College is a very special place with an outstanding reputation in ophthalmic dispensing. I feel privileged to support the College, staff and students in the next stage of development and I look forward to taking on this role at such an exciting time.”

Clive Marchant, chair of trustees at ABDO College, commented: “I’m delighted with Nina’s appointment and confident that with Nina’s experience and expertise, she can lead the ABDO College team though the exciting development of delivering the FBDO diploma as an apprenticeship.”

Nina will join ABDO College for two days per week in late November, and full time from January 2024.