Gary Naylor confirms departure

by Richard Elkins

Associate Dean of the Faculty of Media, Gary Naylor at London College of Communication (LCC), has confirmed he will be leaving his role on Monday May 17 for "personal reasons".

After 20 years at the college, he described his time at LCC as a "privilege".

Naylor added: “It’s been an extraordinary ride, at times a bit hair-raising, but never, ever dull.”

Naylor confirmed his departure was in no way related to the suspension of Julian Rodriguez, the Dean of the Faculty of Media at the College.

“My leaving arrangements were concluded before I knew anything about this matter.”

Having worked at the university since the early 1990s, Naylor said that despite his departure being a permanent arrangement, he hopes to return “in a personal capacity to shows or possibly as a member of panels.”

During a period when the university is facing uncertainty over redundancies and financial issues, Naylor was confident his colleagues were capable of handling the pressure.

“All universities in the UK face a difficult external environment over the next few years," he said.

“I have every confidence in my colleague’s ability to address those challenges, but I feel a pang of guilt that I won’t be there to help them.”

Time to move on

A popular figure with colleagues and students alike, Naylor told of the considerate reaction he has received to his departure.

“I have been touched and moved by my colleagues’ kind words and best wishes for the future.”

Admitting it was a "difficult decision", Naylor said the time suited him and his department.

“Leaving any workplace is a difficult decision to make, especially after so many years, but I know that now is the right time for me and the university," he said.

“The actual date was requested to allow me to meet obligations to colleagues and students and leave as few loose ends as possible.”

“I am grateful to the college management for agreeing to the date."

Naylor ends a career of almost 20 years at University of the Arts London and has commended the people he encountered along the way: “So many have helped me make a wonderful career here – I hope I have been able to help in return.”