Sir Ian Wood to step down from role at Robert Gordon University after 16 years

Sir Ian Wood is to stand down from his role as the Chancellor of Robert Gordon University (RGU) in July 2021, after 16 years as the titular head of the institution.

Sir Ian took over the role of Chancellor from Sir Bob Reid in 2004, and since then has played a crucial ambassadorial role for the University, helping to raise RGU’s profile regionally, nationally and internationally.

As Chancellor, he has presided over hundreds of graduation ceremonies and conferred degrees on tens of thousands of new graduates during his tenure. He leaves the University in a strong standing, having just been named as the Scottish University of the Year 2021 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide.

The University will now begin the process for the appointment of a new Chancellor, who will be appointed by the Board of Governors after an initial process of nominations by staff and governors.

Colin Hunter, Chair of the Board of Governors at RGU, commented: “Sir Ian has been at the helm of Robert Gordon University for nearly two decades and has done a remarkable job during his time to help raise the profile of the University both at home and overseas.

“His reputation, expertise and ethics are so closely aligned to those of the University. It is sad to see him standing down from his role, but he has been an incredible advocate for RGU and our whole community is grateful for his service.

“RGU is in a very good place right now, having been named the Scottish University of the Year, recognised for student satisfaction and climbed the rankings in various national league tables. We now look to the future, with a new Chancellor who can build on the incredible work of Sir Ian over the last 16 years.”

Sir Ian Wood, commented: “I can’t believe I’ve done this role for 16 years. Time has flown and I have greatly enjoyed my participation as Chancellor in one of Scotland’s finest new universities. I have worked with five Principals and seen the Garthdee University Campus emerge as one of the finest in Scotland. I have also capped something like 20,000 students and have always greatly enjoyed the graduations and the chance to talk to our students. I have also capped some remarkable Honorary Graduates greatly enjoying the opportunity of meeting some very eminent and remarkable people, men and women, who have achieved extraordinary things in their lifetime and set great examples to our students. Among them have been: Sir Ranulph Fiennes; Dame Katherine Grainger; Terry Waite; Dame Evelyn Glennie; Dennis Law; and most recently Nicola Benedetti.

“The University has grown and flourished under far sighted and enterprising Governing Boards and also thrived on top quality, loyal academic management and teaching staff.

“I look forward to the last 9 months of my tenure and hope my last graduations in July next year will be able to revert to the normal format with the graduates in person.”

Nominations from members of the RGU Board and staff open on November 6 and close on December 4.