Principal James Fraser is stepping down after more than a decade overseeing the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) campus.
Mr Fraser is responsible for all 13 UHI institutions as principal and vice-chancellor.
The campuses are bound together through constitutional, management and academic structures, and are coordinated through an executive office.
Mr Fraser will retire at the end of the year after overseeing the transition of the institutions to a university in 2011.
Susan Bald, director of human resources and communication at Perth College UHI, said: “We’d like to pay tribute to James for helping establish UHI.
“He leaves a legacy that ensures all 13 partners work together and service their local communities and beyond. It’s a legacy we’re all proud of.”
Mr Fraser joined what was then the UHI Millennium Institute as secretary in September 2002 and was appointed deputy principal in 2007.
In 2009, Mr Fraser succeeded Professor Robert Cormack as principal and became principal and vice-chancellor in February 2011, on the achievement of the university title.
Professor Matthew MacIver, chairman of the university court, UHI’s governing body, said: “On behalf of the court I would like to thank James Fraser for his huge commitment to the development of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
“James was instrumental in the achievement of taught degree-awarding powers in 2008, and the attainment of university title in 2011 owed a great deal to his drive, diligence and meticulous attention to detail.
“Since then, he has continued to guide the university through its evolving role in both higher and further education in the region.”
There are currently more than 7,000 students studying on undergraduate and postgraduate courses or undertaking postgraduate research at the university, including several hundred in Perth.
The college offers courses in aircraft engineering, music, child and youth studies, social sciences and computing at its Crieff Road campus.
Most students are taught in Perth, but learning centres across the region provide access to training and education for people in Blairgowrie, Crieff and Kinross.
Professor MacIver added: “Through his experience and leadership, James has made a major contribution to the success of the university as an essential part of the social, cultural and economic infrastructure of the area.”
The university court has established a search committee to oversee the process of selecting a successor to Mr Fraser.