Professor Cara Aitchison

Professor Cara Aitchison brings extensive experience of higher education leadership across the UK and internationally, including over a decade as a University Principal. She has particular expertise and skills in transformational leadership of: higher education strategy, culture and finance; equality, inclusion, and widening participation; international strategy and transnational education; and partnership working with local and regional economic development bodies.

Cara served as President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff Metropolitan University (2016-2024) where she led significant growth, diversification and improvement, recognised by awards including: The Times Higher Education ‘UK & Ireland University of the Year 2021’ and People and Planet’s Green League for Ethical & Environmental Sustainability ‘UK University of the Year 2022/23’.

Cara was previously Head of Moray House School of Education at The University of Edinburgh (2010-2013) and has served as Chair of: the Research Excellence Framework Sub-Panel for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Leisure and Tourism in REF 2014 (2010-2014); Universities UK’s Staff-Student Sexual Misconduct Advisory Group (2018-2022); and Universities Wales’ Wales-Ukraine Universities Group (2020-2024). She has also served as a member of: the Council of the All-Party Parliamentary (Universities) Group (2022-2024); Board of the Higher Education Statistics Agency (2021-22); Economic Growth Board of Cardiff Capital Region (2019-2024); Council of CBI Wales (2016-2023); Council of the Academy of Social Sciences (2015-2021); and Board of the Equality Challenge Unit (2015-2018).

Cara, who was born and educated in Scotland and now lives in Stirling, completed a Geography degree at Edinburgh University (1983-1987) before undertaking a series of postgraduate and teaching qualifications including a part-time PhD at Bristol University (1996-1999). She has extensive experience of research leadership, is Professor Emerita in Geography and Cultural Economy, Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, Royal Geographical Society, Learned Society of Wales, and the Higher Education Academy, and is currently a member of the Boards of Visit Scotland (2023-), the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (2023-), and Arts University Plymouth (2024-).

Cara’s appointment runs from 29 June 2024 to 28 June 2028.

Register of interests

1.  Remunerated directorships.

None.

2.  Remunerated employment, office, profession or other activity.

Board member of Visit Scotland (2023-) (Scottish Government Public Appointment).

3.  Clients connected with the further and/or higher education sector or other aspects of the Council’s business.

None.

4.  Significant gifts or hospitality arising from Board or Committee membership.  (To be reported as soon as reasonably practical).

None.

5. Significant shareholdings in a public company where the value is more than 1% of the total issued share value of the company.

None.

6.  Significant shareholdings in a private company which might give rise to a conflict of interest or trust.

None.

7.  Public activity in support of a political party within the previous five years.

None.

8.  Miscellaneous, for example, unremunerated posts, honorary positions and other connections which might give rise to a conflict of interest or trust.

1. Professor Emerita, Cardiff Metropolitan University (2024-).
2. Board Member and Trustee of The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (Scottish Government Public Appointment) (2023-).
3. Board Member of Arts University Plymouth Board of Governors (2024-).
4. Fellow of:
   • Academy of Social Sciences
   • Royal Geographical Society
   • Learned Society of Wales
   • Higher Education Academy.

9.  Relevant and known interests of spouse, partner and close family.

1. Partner – Professor Gayle McPherson is employed by the University of the West of Scotland as Director of the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events.
2. Sister-in-law and partner’s son are both students at Stirling University (completing their degrees in 2024/25).