Talking Saint: Gordon Henry
Gordon Henry, Marketing Manager
(School of Medicine), Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs
What does your role involve and how long have you been at the University?
I have been the Marketing Manager for the School of Medicine for over four months now, but from 2020 until 2022 I worked in Admissions as part of the legendary recruitment marketing team. I don’t think I can say I’m new to the University technically, it’s hard to make that excuse work, but I am new to having it all in person, rather than just over teams through Covid.
As the Marketing Manager for Medicine, I work between the new Marketing team and the School of Medicine. I’m looking at the external position of the School and working with some fantastically creative people to build up its reputation, profile, and attract more students to our programmes.
What brought you to St Andrews?
I lived in Japan for around 10 years working with kids and students learning English. From that, I knew when I came home I wanted to work in HE and where better to work than St Andrews. I learned so much with Admissions when I was here over Covid and moved around a few other jobs after that to build some experience but always had my eye on things for the right opportunity to come back.
Where is your favourite St Andrews hotspot?
There’s only one right answer to this question, I think. It has to be the Fisher and Donaldson bakery (and of course the café by extension). The fudge doughnuts have no rivals, and you can wash a couple of them down with a pie for good measure.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
Two fudge doughnuts and a pie from Fisher and Donaldson. I’d sit on the beach and just tear it up with those, then go full Tom Hanks and live on coconuts and washed-up mail.
Do you have a favourite book, movie, TV show or podcast you’d recommend to others?
If the threat of a desert island is real, definitely watch Cast Away, you’ll be well prepared after that. My favourite movie though would have to be Commando with big Arnie. It’s the cheesiest of cheesy 80’s action movies but is a great way to switch off and “Let off some steam.” IYKYK.
What would you do if you won the Euromillions?
Commission the largest ever fudge doughnut? I think I would keep it low key and similar to pre-win, but there would be signs.
Where is your favourite city or place, and why?
I love Fukuoka in Japan, one of the largest cities in the south. It’s a beautiful place with so much to see and do, and it’s where I spent my first couple of years when I moved to Japan. Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka get all the love and attention, and they are great, but if you’re going to Japan and you want to have the best ramen available, Fukuoka is the place to be.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I’ve been very lucky to have lived in three different parts of Japan throughout my 20’s, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and somewhere you’ll never have heard of, Mito city. I love living back in the UK now, but if I won the Euromillions actually I’d spend six months in Japan and six months here every year.
Where is your favourite place in Scotland?
Oban, hands down. I love the feel of the town, the scenery, and the chocolate shop.
Name something that makes you smile, no matter what?
My two kids 100%. I have two girls, Hannah who’s 7 and Mari who’s 2, and they are both just wonderful, always causing chaos, getting up to mischief, and trying to bribe me for sweets or TV time.
If you’d like to be featured as a Talking Saint, we’d love to hear from you. Your profile will be shared in In The Loop, on the Staff News page, and the University’s LinkedIn page. Email [email protected]
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