Press release

Rita shows it’s never too late to learn

A grandmother from Currie has shown that it’s never too late to learn. Rita Welsh, aged 58 graduated last week from Queen Margaret University with a PhD.

Rita returned to education in 1996 when she studied for a HND at Stevenson College. She progressed to level 3 of the Tourism Management degree at Queen Margaret University, graduating in 2000 with a 1 st class honours. This spurred her on to develop her academic career and she embarked upon a PhD.

Whilst also caring for an elderly parent and two young grandchildren, Rita juggled her PhD study with part-time lecturing in Human Resource Management within the University’s School of Business, Enterprise and Management.

Queen Margaret University has a keen interest in supporting small businesses and in particular, family run Asian businesses. Rita therefore decided to focus her doctorate on the study of convenience stores owned by members of the Asian community in Edinburgh.

Dr Welsh said:”The work I undertook for my PhD emphasises the relevance of Queen Margaret University’s research to today’s small businesses, the community and society as a whole.

“By supporting future generations to develop convenience stores throughout the city, we will assist the minority community to thrive and local areas to retain important services. This, coupled with Queen Margaret University’s ongoing small business research, ensures that QMU is well placed to deliver specialist advice to private and public sector business support providers.”

Dr Welsh concluded:”Aside from the academic experience the research work has given me the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people within Edinburgh’s Pakistani community, as well as identifying how Queen Margaret University’s work can support future generations.”

Dr Welsh celebrated her graduation with her husband, mother, daughter and granddaughters who are extremely proud of her achievements.

ENDS

For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Press and PR Officer, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, tel: 0131 474 0000, mobile: 07711 011239, email: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk