Previous Chancellors

Previous University Chancellors

Dr Annie Lennox OBE 2018 – 2023

Royal Academician, singer-songwriter, highly-respected social activist and philanthropist, Dr Annie Lennox OBE founded The Circle in 2018, a charitable non-governmental organisation supporting some of the most disempowered women and girls in the world. Dr Lennox’s humanitarian work has been recognised by a Nobel Woman of Peace Award in 2011, an OBE in 2011, and the George Harrison Global Citizen Award in 2017. Dr Lennox was launched the SING Campaign to raise funds to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS after taking part in the inaugural concert of Nelson Mandela’s 46664 HIV Foundation in 2003. Throughout her hugely successful musical career, she has received an Oscar, four Grammy Awards, eight Brit Awards and four Ivor Novello Awards.

Professor Muhammad Yunus 2012 – 2017

International anti-poverty campaigner Professor Muhammad Yunus is the founder of the Grameen Bank, a global movement dedicated to eradicating poverty through micro-lending to those with the very least in society. A recipient of 115 awards from 26 countries, Professor Yunus was presented with the US Congressional Gold Medal in April 2013. He is also one of only seven people to have won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal. Professor Yunus remains a lifelong friend to the University as Emeritus Chancellor.

Angus “Gus” Macdonald, CBE, 2007 - 2012

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston enjoyed an award-winning career in television and newspapers – including a period as chair of Scottish Media Group which at one point owned broadcasters STV and Grampian Television and also The Herald and the Evening Times newspapers. He became a member of the House of Lords in 1998 and served for five years as a government minister. He now sits on the Prime Minister’s advisory committee on business appointments. Lord Macdonald announced his departure during GCU’s June graduation ceremony.

Download our brochure celebrating his tenure and contribution to the Academy and to the University.

Magnus Magnusson, KBE, 2002 -2007

A writer, thinker, historian, journalist, family man and broadcaster, Glasgow Caledonian University’s second Chancellor was a well-known public figure across Scotland and remained a fierce ambassador for his native Iceland up until his death in 2007. He became best known for his work on the BBC, presenting the corporation’s iconic Mastermind programme for 25 years. His lifelong love of learning is remembered at the University with the Magnusson Awards, which are made annually to students or early career researchers who wish to take their studies forward in new ways.

David Nickson, KBE, 1993 – 2002

Baron Nickson became Glasgow Caledonian University’s first Chancellor on April 28, 1993, on the date of the University’s official launch. The then Head of the Clydesdale Bank was installed at the formal inauguration on June 2.  Initially an officer in the Coldstream Guards, Baron Nickson enjoyed a successful business career, having worked in senior positions for companies including Radio Clyde, Scottish & Newcastle Breweries and National Australia Bank, among several others. He was made a life peer, as Baron Nickson of Renagour in the District of Stirling, in 1994.