Internationalising Higher Education

Joan Stringer took up her post in January 2003 having previously served as Principal and Vice Patron of Queen Margaret University College, Edinburgh. She began her career in education in 1980 and was later appointed Head of the School of Public Administration and Law at Robert Gordon University, where she was promoted to Assistant Principal. Professor Stringer has contributed to a number of policy initiatives through external organisations, committees and working groups, which included membership of the Scottish Committee of Dearing.

Her current positions include: Convenor, Universities Scotland International Committee; Board member, UK HE Student Mobility Joint Working Group; Member, Scottish Committee, British Council; Board member, Universities and Colleges Employers Association; Board Member, Higher Education Statistics Agency; Board Member, Universities and Colleges Admissions Service; Board Member, National Theatre of Scotland; and Trustee of the David Hume Institute.

Professor Stringer’s achievements have been recognised across and beyond the sector. Most recently she was recognised as the Public Sector Leader of the Year (2011) at the Scottish Leadership Awards. In 2001 Professor Stringer was awarded a CBE for Services to Higher Education and was awarded Hon D Litt from the University of Keele for her contribution to higher education and public service. In 2009 Professor Stringer was awarded a DBE for services to Local and National Higher Education. Other accolades include an Honorary Citizenship of Shandong which was conferred in 2007.

Professor Stringer’s past appointments include Commissioner with the Equal Opportunities Commission for Great Britain (with special responsibility as Commissioner for Scotland, 1995-2001); Member of the Secretary of State’s Consultative Steering Group on the Scottish Parliament; Auditor with the Higher Education Quality Council 1992-1997; and member of the Universities UK (formerly CVCP) Equality Challenge Steering Group.