Olympian is first female chancellor at university
SCOTTISH rowing legend Dame Katherine Grainger is to become the first female Chancellor of the University of Glasgow in its 569-year history.
Britain’s most decorated female Olympian -- with five medals in consecutive Games -- will succeed Professor Sir Kenneth Calman when he steps down after 14 years.
Dame Katherine, 44, is the sole nominee for the post, so there is no requirement to hold an election.
She will relinquish her current position as Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University to take up the prestigious role at Scotland’s second oldest university, founded in 1451.
The Chancellor is the titular head of the University.
Elected by the General Council -- all graduates and established academic staff -the Chancellor’s duty is to confer degrees on those presented to them by the Senate.
Dame Katherine will become the 43rd Chancellor since William Turnbull, Bishop of Glasgow, in 1451.
Others have included James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton, King Charles I’s principal adviser on Scottish affairs; the scientist Sir William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin; and John Boyd Orr, the nutritionist, physiologist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Glasgow-born Dame Katherine graduated in law from Edinburgh University, then achieved an Mphil in Medical Law and Medical Ethics from Glasgow University.
She has also completed a PHD in the sentencing of homicide at King’s College, University of London.
She won a gold and four silver medals for rowing at five successive Olympic Games -the only woman ever to achieve the feat.
She also won eight medals at the World Championships, including six golds.
Dame Katherine said: “I feel a wonderful mixture of excitement, joy, anticipation and enthusiasm at the prospect of becoming Chancellor of Glasgow University. More than those feelings, however, I feel immensely honoured and privileged to have been given the opportunity to fill such a role. Glasgow is where I was born and went to school. It will always hold a very special place in my heart.”