New UofG Rector appointed

Lady Rita Rae, Rector of the University

On 21 April, our students voted to appoint The Honourable Lady Rita Rae as their Rector. Lady Rae will become the first standing female Rector in the University’s history.

Lady Rae was successful over two other candidates, former journalist and current MP John Nicolson, and Councillor Junaid Ashraf. She will take office on 30 April and will serve a three-year term in the role.

Over the course of a distinguished legal career spanning five decades, Lady Rae has worked as a lawyer, judge and former Senator of the College of Justice. She was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University in 2019 in recognition of her contribution to Scots law.

Speaking about the election result, SRC President Liam Brady said: “We are delighted to welcome The Hon Lady Rae as our new Rector. It was a close-fought election, but students were clearly impressed by Lady Rae’s wealth of experience and willingness to both listen to students and advocate for the issues that they are facing. The SRC looks forward to working closely with her over the next three years to represent students across the University.”

Following the election, Lady Rae recorded a Facebook Live session with SRC President Liam Brady.