New Vice-Chancellor to lead Glasgow Caledonian University

Professor Steve Decent has taken over as Glasgow Caledonian University’s most senior executive today, succeeding Professor Pamela Gillies who had been the Principal and Vice-Chancellor for 17 years.

Professor Decent is dedicated to widening access to higher education for people from diverse backgrounds, having been the first member of his own family to go to university.

The former Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Manchester Metropolitan University, Professor Decent brings substantial senior leadership experience and will drive forward the University’s commitment to high quality education and research, ensuring students have the best possible opportunity to secure employment when they graduate.

Glasgow Caledonian is Scotland’s leading provider of graduate apprenticeships, and 23% of its Scottish full-time, first degree entrants come from the country's 20% most-disadvantaged backgrounds, with 93% of its students in employment or further study within 15 months of graduating.

Originally from Norwich, Professor Decent is no stranger to Scotland or Glasgow and loves the buzz of the city, with its growing inward investment and ambition for the future.  An applied mathematician, Professor Decent studied at St Andrews University and was Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Art, Science and Engineering at the University of Dundee.  He has also held senior posts at Lancaster and Birmingham universities.

The father-of-three is excited about his new role and wants to create an environment for staff and students to thrive.

Professor Decent said: “I’m delighted to be joining Glasgow Caledonian University and driving forward the organisation’s clear commitment to widening opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds, as well as building on our exceptional student outcomes and world-leading research.

“Glasgow Caledonian is clearly delivering education that transforms students' lives and research that tackles the major challenges of our time. The focus on supporting the communities we serve through social innovation and sustainable development is inspirational.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the University's talented students, staff, partners and local communities in the great City of Glasgow and beyond, as we work together in the years ahead."

The Principal and Vice-Chancellor position is the University's most senior officer, responsible for the strategic direction and leadership of the University, supporting more than 22,000 students in Scotland and around the world.

Glasgow Caledonian University has been recognised this year as Scotland’s top performing modern university in the Guardian and Times/Sunday Times rankings, and 72% of its research classified as world-leading or internationally renowned.