The next Convener of Universities Scotland, the representative organisation for Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions, will be Professor James Miller FRSE. He will assume the role on 1 August 2025 for a two-year term, bringing extensive leadership experience to a sector facing crucial challenges.
A Leader with a Vision for Scotland’s Universities
Professor Miller, currently Principal & Vice-Chancellor at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), was elected by his fellow Principals. Speaking on his appointment, he emphasized the transformative role of universities in Scotland’s communities, economy, and global engagement.
“I know from my own experience that universities matter. We are anchors in our communities that catalyse transformational change in individuals, our cities and regions, our economy, and enhance Scotland’s relationship with the world,” said Professor Miller.
Acknowledging the pressing issues in higher education, he highlighted the need for financial sustainability: “At this critical moment, an important opportunity exists for the higher education sector and funders to collaborate on the co-creation of a model which secures the long-term sustainability of our universities.”
Collaboration and Leadership Through Challenging Times
Professor Miller will be supported by Sir Paul Grice, Principal of Queen Margaret University, who has served as Universities Scotland’s Interim Convener since December 2024. Sir Paul will remain in the interim role until July before resuming his position as Vice Convener until July 2026.
Welcoming the appointment, Sir Paul stated: “I am delighted to be working alongside James in this new capacity and offer him every support. It is a feature of Scottish higher education that there is a strong sense of collegiality amongst such a highly diverse set of institutions. I know that James will champion both of these qualities in his leadership of the sector.”
A Career Rooted in Healthcare and Education
Professor James A. Miller FRSE has led UWS since November 2022. His career began in healthcare as a clinical nurse in Edinburgh, making him the first nurse to be appointed as a university principal in Scotland. His background spans multiple leadership roles, including:
- Deputy Director of Nursing for West Lothian Healthcare Trust
- Divisional General Manager at South Glasgow University Hospital NHS Trust
- Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University (2015-2022)
- Director of the Open University in Scotland
- Chief Executive of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Academic and Research Contributions
Professor Miller holds degrees from several institutions:
- Nursing registration from North Lothian College of Nursing and Midwifery
- Post-registration degree from Abertay University
- MBA from Edinburgh Napier University
- PhD from the University of Edinburgh
- Graduate of Harvard University’s Institute of Education Management
He has been a visiting lecturer at four Scottish universities and has published in peer-reviewed journals on healthcare management, clinical leadership, and related topics. Additionally, he serves on multiple boards, including UCAS, The Carnegie Trust for Universities in Scotland, and The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice.
Future of Scottish Higher Education
In 2023, Professor Miller was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and took on the role of Convener of Universities Scotland’s International Committee in 2024. His upcoming tenure as Convener of Universities Scotland will be closely watched as he navigates financial challenges and advocates for a stronger, sustainable higher education sector.
