Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Gerry McCormac, has been recognised with a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours for his extraordinary public service.
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, who has been Principal at the University of Stirling since 2010, was given the honour in recognition of his services to higher education and to the economy. Professor McCormac started his Convenership of Universities Scotland in August this year, having previously served as Vice Convener for two consecutive terms.
Welcoming the news, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said:
“Warmest congratulations to Gerry for this much-deserved recognition for his institutional and sectoral leadership. It is particularly fitting that this honour comes at the end of a year in which the vital role of higher education has been demonstrated in new ways; universities have played a major role in responding to the medical emergency of COVID-19 and to the wider and longer-term societal and economic consequences caused by the pandemic. Sir Gerry is deeply passionate about delivering that contribution to its fullest potential throughout the new year and beyond.”
The New Year Honours also recognised Professor Petra Wend, former Principal at Queen Margaret University Edinburgh with a CBE for services to higher education.