The reign of the Rector

The Rector is a senior officer of the University elected by students and is a member of the University’s governing body – the University Court.

Maggie becomes the 16th Rector of the University, succeeding Keith Harris OBE. Previous office holders include the actor Brian Cox CBE and Sir Stephen Fry.

"A responsibility, a privilege, and a promise"

Speaking at her installation ceremony in the Caird Hall, Maggie told the audience of graduands, families, and friends, “Thank you for welcoming me so warmly today. I am deeply humbled and profoundly honoured to be installed as your new Rector. This is not simply a title – it is a responsibility, a privilege, and a promise.

“I’d like to acknowledge my predecessor, Keith Harris OBE, and his contribution and service to the University. I also want to thank all those who supported me in the election earlier this year: the students who nominated me, those who campaigned on my behalf – especially my campaign team, Tanaiste, Stuart and Niamh – and all who voted. Your trust means more to me than I can express. 

Maggie also thanked her fellow candidates, Mubarak Babalola and Sheli McCoy, and the returning officer, staff and volunteers who ran a fair and transparent election. She continued:

“But mostly, thank you to the students and staff who asked me to stand. Your voices, your concerns, your hopes – they are what I carry with me today. Your faith in me is humbling, and I promise you now: I will not be a quiet or passive Rector. I will shine a light where others prefer darkness. I will ask difficult questions. I will ensure your voices are present in every conversation about this university’s future.

“Because this role – Rector – is something quite special. A Rector must be a fierce advocate for students, a defender of democratic governance, and a champion for meaningful change. Everyone in the University has a role to play and a voice to be heard, and good governance means ensuring all those roles and voices are acknowledged and included.

“Education is not a commodity; it is a public good. And our decisions must have learning, justice, and the wellbeing of our world at their core.”
 

The Rector of the future

Maggie said she would bring all of her experience in public life and as a Member of the Scottish Parliament to bear in her role as Rector.

“I bring to this role my experience in the Scottish Parliament as your MSP, and in public life as someone who has long fought for social justice, equality, and workers’ rights – someone unafraid to stand firm in the face of adversity,” she said.

“But above all, I bring a heart full of hope: hope in your generation and your potential, and the conviction that together, we can build something better.

“Our journey begins now. It will not be easy. But if we organise together, challenge and dismantle power, and stand with one another, we can restore trust, reshape this university, and build a community rooted in justice, solidarity and hope.

“I am honoured to walk this path with you. Thank you for this responsibility and for your trust.”