GCU Principal elected Treasurer of University Alliance Leadership team

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mairi Watson has been elected Treasurer of the University Alliance. She is joining its leadership team as it champions the role of professional and technical universities in driving economic growth, skills development, research and innovation across the UK.

Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice-Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, will become Chair of University Alliance, and Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, will serve as Deputy Chair. Each will start their roles from today, 1 September 2026, following elections by the University Alliance board.

The leadership team will work alongside Chief Executive Vanessa Wilson and the University Alliance board to drive forward the organisation’s new strategy and to advance the organisation's mission of ensuring universities play a central role in delivering the skills, research, innovation and public service workforce the UK needs.

Professor Watson said: "It is a privilege to be elected Treasurer of University Alliance and to join the organisation's leadership team.

"University Alliance brings together ambitious institutions with a shared commitment to innovation, inclusion and real-world impact. I look forward to supporting the continued success of the organisation and our membership, and ensuring we remain a strong and effective voice for professional and technical higher education."

University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said: "I am delighted to welcome Roderick, Kathryn and Mairi to these important leadership roles. Each brings a wealth of experience, a strong commitment to students, employers and communities, and a deep understanding of the distinctive contribution that University Alliance universities make to the UK's prosperity and future success.

“I look forward to working closely with Roderick, Kathryn and Mairi as we champion our members, strengthen our collective impact, and ensure University Alliance remains a vital sector voice in the years ahead."

University Alliance represents 20 of the UK’s leading professional and technical universities with its members specialising in working with industry and employers. Their teaching is hands-on, and designed to prepare students for careers. Their knowledge and research drive industry to innovate, thrive and meet challenges. Its members are leading the way in innovation and business support in the green, tech, creative and healthcare industries. They educate 1 in 3 of the UK’s nurses and are leading providers of teaching in healthcare, the creative arts, degree apprenticeships and more.

To find out more about University Alliance please visit www.unialliance.ac.uk.