Professor Mairi Watson

Professor Mairi Watson was appointed as Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) in February 2026. Responsible for leading the university, she oversees all aspects of the university’s operations and guides its strategic direction, ensuring it thrives within the framework provided by the University Court.

Mairi’s academic career began at De Montfort University, where she was a Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management. Prior to joining GCU, Professor Watson was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Hertfordshire, and its former Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience. Before joining Hertfordshire, she was Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law at the University of Northampton. Before working in Universities, Mairi was a Prison Governor in HM Prison Service England and Wales.

Mairi is a Professor of Learning and Teaching and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, recognised for her strategic leadership in academic practice and her contribution to high-quality student learning. Throughout her career, she has led significant performance improvements to the quality of teaching and learning, student experience and success.

Originally from Scotland, Professor 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.

Mairi is Convener of the Universities Scotland Learning and Teaching Committee and is the Treasurer for the University Alliance.

Contact Professor Watson

Britannia Building
City Campus
Cowcaddens Road
Glasgow, G4 0BA

Tel: +44 (0)141 331 3112
Fax: +44 (0)141 331 3174

Email: VCOffice@gcu.ac.uk