Susan Docherty – Student President - GCU Students’ Association

Susan Docherty was recently elected as Student President after taking on the role of Vice President (SCEBE) last year with GCU Students’ Association.

We caught up with Susan to get her thoughts on the year ahead and to find out a little bit more about herself.

How does it feel to be representing students at GCU in your new role as Student President?

“It feels great. I think the fact I’ve been elected in for the second year in a row makes me realise that I must’ve done something right in the first year. I’m really student focused and we’re put in post to represent the students and that’s exactly what I aim to do.

It’s always satisfying when you see change happening to benefit the students because it’s something you’ve done. Despite coronavirus, I think it’s going to be a good year!"


How excited are you to be working across different areas of the University?

“I worked with SCEBE last year but I worked closely with the other Vice Presidents too and I’m able to answer any questions the three new Full-Time Officers have as a result. I’ve got a bit of a knowledge already but it’s great to be able to look at the overall picture - which I suppose is something you need as Student President."


What are you looking forward to working on over the next year?

“Mental health will be a huge thing for us to focus on this year and trying to create a sense of community. One of my main aims is to get that community feeling even though we all are online and to try and make sure students aren’t isolated and feel involved with others.

Anything that we can do to improve students quality of life at GCU in terms of how they engage and socialise, which will all go towards improving mental health and wellbeing."

Quick-Fire Questions

What did you study at GCU?

“International Business and Human Resource Management"


What did you always want to be when you were growing up?

“When I was younger I wanted to be a singer and a dancer but I can’t sing and I wasn’t much of a dancer, so after that I thought about wanting to be a primary school teacher.


Favourite film/TV show?

“I’m a big Sci-fi fan, so it has to be Doctor Who for me.”


What is your favourite food?

“There’s too many to choose but it has to be cheese!”


If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

“I have to say two places – New York or Amsterdam.

I love New York because I’ve got family that live there - it’s like a second home and it’s so vibrant. I remember going to Amsterdam and thinking it was just so amazing. It’s just brighter than everywhere else and I would definitely think about moving there.”


You can keep in touch with Susan via Facebook and Twitter

By Ross Clark

Got an SHLS or GSBS story? Email Ross.Clark@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on Twitter