Introducing Sue Rigby, Edinburgh Napier’s new Principal and Vice Chancellor
Professor Sue Rigby is a passionate and experienced educational innovator. She joined Edinburgh Napier in January from Bath Spa University where she served as Vice Chancellor for six years. Under her leadership the University grew its student numbers, significantly increased its turnover, and saw its best ever Research Evaluation Framework return.
A palaeontologist with a love of the arts, Professor Rigby is a powerhouse of enthusiasm for every aspect of higher education and the impact it can have. Across multiple diverse roles on boards and in organisations, she has worked to champion inclusion, student mental health, teaching excellence, quality assurance, and modern universities in the UK.
What does it mean to you to become Edinburgh Napier’s new Principal?
“Without doubt, this is the right destination for me. I am hugely inspired by the distinctiveness of Edinburgh Napier and am honoured to be taking on this leading role. Of course, it is a great pleasure to join an Edinburgh-based institution – this city is where I have worked, raised my family, and where my husband is based: it is the best of homecomings.”
I have been watching Edinburgh Napier develop and am very impressed with how it has amplified research without comprising teaching. Remaining true to its ethos of developing graduates who are equipped to add value in mainstream professions, with a clear focus on delivering high quality practical teaching and learning, the University has also pushed forward applied research to address significant challenges our modern world faces.
I really believe Edinburgh Napier is in a strong position; it has a clear identity and knows what it wants to be, and that is how it will continue to make an impact. Recent ranking achievements are testament to this: the top modern university in Scotland by the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2024, and a top 10 UK university in the THE Young University Rankings 2024.
It has also been placed in the THE Impact Rankings for the first time; these rankings measure progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, so this is a fantastic achievement.
For the fifth year running, Edinburgh Napier is number one in the capital for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS); so maybe it’s no surprise that it also won Higher Educational Institution of the Year 2024 in The Herald Higher Education Awards, as well as the Widening Access Award and the Outstanding Contribution from a University Student, plus a commendation in the Research Project of the Year.
These rankings and awards are significant. I see this as an exceptionally stimulating time to be stepping into this role and am delighted to have the opportunity to work to ensure Edinburgh Napier continues to thrive and grow in all aspects of university life.”
How would you define your leadership style?
“Nobody can run a university by telling people what to do. An aspect of my leadership approach that I feel has made a difference over the years is that I really listen to people. Then it’s about finding a way to see through all the complexity that’s around you and determine what matters most.
What’s always thrilling is seeing the opportunities to link things up, some of which might appear unrelated, and put people in a position to capitalise on opportunities they wouldn’t necessarily know about or capture.
Leadership sets the tone for the whole institution; building a sense of belonging, ownership and solidarity within the university is a critical part of this role. I want to harness all the potential we have to act on the priorities for our success; to enable progress and to create an environment where everyone can perform to the best of their abilities.”
What is it about higher education management that excites you?
“I find universities completely fascinating. The more I know about them, the more respect I have for them and the more interesting they become. Higher education is so multi-faceted that it is endlessly interesting.
Over the years I’ve spearheaded and engaged with various initiatives, from acting as Chair of Student Minds and a Board Member for the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) to leading the Inclusive Development strand of the BIS Disabled Students Sector Leadership Group, as well as supporting the Higher Education Funding Council for England to define information needs for taught postgraduate students.
I’m a scientist who is passionate about the arts; I’m genuinely excited about all aspects of modern universities and I’m a total believer in the life-changing impact of higher education. Quite simply, it never gets boring! And higher education leadership is always challenging me in new ways, particularly in the tough political, policy, and public environment we operate in.”
How will you drive the University to continue to make a difference?
“Modern universities are a key driver of growth in Scotland and beyond. Through our work, and with our partners, we can change lives and upskill the next generation of talent to deliver impact.
I believe it’s about creating the conditions for people to thrive. Then staff, students, researchers, alumni and partners are empowered to do amazing things. It’s about nurturing people to change the world in their own way.
We need to look at where we can add value; strengthen links with and within our communities; celebrate diversity and tackle inequalities; and work together to continue to make a difference