The UK’s top modern university is officially under new leadership.
Professor Mairi Watson has taken up the role of Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Watson, who joins GCU from the University of Hertfordshire, is originally from Airdrie.
She succeeds Professor Steve Decent who left the university in 2025.
Watson, who has worked as a senior academic at several universities, began her career in the prison service, rising to the rank of prison governor.
Watson said she was “thrilled” to assume the top position at the university.
“I am looking forward to working closely with our students, staff and partners, to build on the University’s many successes,” she added.
“GCU is a high achieving university that delivers - for its students, partners, businesses, communities, and more generally for the city of Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.
“Our clear focus on delivering excellent student outcomes and employability, driving research with impact, and engagement with industry, government, civic partners and alumni, all mean we have a strong platform to build on, and momentum to move forward with ambition.”
Watson joins GCU as the university celebrates the 150th anniversary of its founding institution.
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GCU was named as the top-ranked modern university in the UK in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and University of the Year for Graduate Jobs in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026.
Watson holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Edinburgh, an LLM in Criminology and Criminal Justice from King’s College London, an MBA from the Open University, and a PhD in Organisational Behaviour (Organisational Change) from De Montfort University.
As Vice-Chancellor, Watson will serve as GCU’s most senior officer and will be responsible for the institution's strategic direction.
