Professor Roderick Watkins DL has been appointed University Alliance Chair, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL named Deputy Chair and Professor Mairi Watson elected Treasurer.
Formerly UA’s Deputy Chair, Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice-Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, will become Chair of University Alliance on 1 September 2026, leading the organisation as it continues to champion the role of professional and technical universities in driving economic growth, skills development, research and innovation across the UK.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, will serve as Deputy Chair, whilst Professor Mairi Watson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, will serve as Treasurer. The three leaders will take up their positions on 1 September 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.
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.”
Incoming Chair of University Alliance, Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice-Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University, said:
“It is a privilege to have been elected as Chair of University Alliance. I look forward to working with colleagues across our membership to advance our shared priorities at a defining time for higher education.
“Alliance universities are engines of growth and innovation, deeply embedded in the communities we serve. Through our excellence in teaching, impactful applied research and strong partnerships with employers, we are delivering the talent, innovation and opportunities that enable our regions and nations to thrive.As Chair, I look forward to championing the distinctive contributions our members make and ensuring University Alliance remains a leading voice in shaping the future of higher education.”
Incoming Deputy Chair of University Alliance, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:
“I am delighted to take on the role of Deputy Chair and to support University Alliance’s work on behalf of its members.”
“Our universities are transforming lives through accessible, high-quality education and creating pathways into skilled careers. We work closely with business, industry and public services to meet local and national needs, and I look forward to helping raise the profile of the remarkable impact Alliance universities have across the country.”
Incoming Treasurer of University Alliance, Professor Mairi Watson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, 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.”
The new leadership team succeeds the current board officers and will formally assume their responsibilities on 1 September 2026.
University Alliance would like to thank Professor Jane Harrington (Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the London and South East University Group) and Professor Peter John CBE (Vice-Chancellor of the University of London) for their invaluable work as UA’s previous Chair and Treasurer respectively.
ENDS
