New Chair of Court elected at Glasgow Caledonian University
Yvette Hopkins has been elected as the new Chair of Court at Glasgow Caledonian University following a rigorous recruitment process and election ballot of students, staff and Court members. Yvette will take up the position from March 1 once the University’s current Chair of Court, Rob Woodward CBE, completes his term in office.
The Chair is responsible for the leadership of Court, the University’s governing body, which, together with the Principal, is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the University. This includes overseeing the student and staff experience, the quality of the learning, teaching and research, and the long-term sustainability and financial health of the University.
Speaking after the University’s Court formally approved the appointment, the Chair of Court Elect Yvette Hopkins said:
“It is my honour to serve alongside the Glasgow Caledonian University team. I know this exquisite group of professionals, students, families, and University partners care deeply about the pursuit of excellence. Much humility and gratitude to Rob Woodward CBE and his leadership as current GCU Chair of Court. I so look forward to learning from him over the coming months. I can’t wait to join the team!”
Glasgow Caledonian’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Decent said:
“I am delighted Yvette Hopkins has been appointed to this crucial position within the University. I very much look forward to working closely with Yvette to take our University from strength-to-strength in the years ahead. I know our staff, students, Court members and friends of the University will join me in wishing Yvette every success in their new role.”
Chair of Court Rob Woodward CBE said:
“As the outgoing Chair of Court I would like to add my congratulations to Yvette on her election success. A highly effective Court is fundamental to the future success of the University and I have no doubt that Yvette and her fellow Governors will continue to provide high quality leadership in support of the institution and the realisation of its ambitious vision.”
The University’s Vice-Chair of Court Meg Lustman, who led the recruitment process added:
“Warm congratulations to Yvette on her appointment as the new Chair of Court at Glasgow Caledonian University. Her election was part of a thorough recruitment process and the participation of an excellent shortlist of candidates. It showed the strong regard with which the University of the Common Good is held by stakeholders and I would like to thank all who took part.”
Biography: Yvette Hopkins
As a former Military Officer, Commercial Executive, and Non-Executive Chair and Board Director, Yvette Hopkins has extensive experience leading teams and large complex organisations in multiple environments, domains, and sectors.
Most recently, in the Global ‘Space Race’ Yvette focused on establishing a Scottish vertical launch spaceport, contributing to an emerging and vibrant UK Space-based economy.
Prior to that, as a career US intelligence officer, Yvette focused on enhancing national security strategy and policy, whilst visibly leading cutting edge intelligence organisations.
Yvette also serves on and leads multiple boards across the space, women’s enterprise, sustainable construction, and charity sectors. Yvette is also a GlobalScot and keynote public speaker on the topics of leadership, entrepreneurship, space, and Scotland.
Yvette is in the lifelong pursuit of leadership excellence and recently completed a nine-month global expedition on Women and Leadership with the Women Emerging Non-Profit organisation to encourage, inspire, and support women in-and into -leadership.
Yvette’s degrees are in Political Science (BA), Strategy, (MS) and National Security (MA). She has been awarded numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star Medal. She has also earned parachutist, Air assault, and Combat Action badges.
Yvette leads a not-so-quiet life in the Shetland Islands, Scotland.