Professor Shirley Rate
Dean
Glasgow School for Business and SocietyProfessor Shirley Rate is Dean of the Glasgow School for Business and Society at Glasgow Caledonian University. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education and 15 years in leadership positions, Shirley brings to the School extensive experience of leading teams, strategic planning and implementing change. Shirley is passionate about leadership in higher education, with a focus on team-building and on development, mentoring and succession-planning.
Professor Rate began her studies at the University of Dundee and holds a PhD in Marketing from the University of Strathclyde. Prior to taking the Dean role, Shirley was Head of Department, Associate Dean (Learning, Teaching and Quality) and Vice Dean. Her professional interests lie in the delivery of high-quality education that is inclusive and transformative and prepares students for the world of work. She has led various initiatives that connect academic excellence with real world relevance, including the integration of experiential and work-based learning across the curriculum and embedding socially responsible perspectives into the School’s education and research portfolio. As such, the Glasgow School for Business and Society has a strong and international reputation for developing work-ready graduates with responsible approaches to leadership which is recognised by professional accreditations, including the prestigious EFMD.
Professor Rate works closely with business leaders, policy makers and community organisations to ensure that the School’s education portfolio and its research delivery remains relevant and impactful. She serves on advisory boards for Routledge Open Research (Education), Chartered Association of Business Schools and Universities Scotland, contributes to national education forums and speaks at conferences on the future of business education.