One of oldest universities elects first female chancellor

Dame Anne Pringle has been described as a “trailblazing diplomat” who was formerly British ambassador to Moscow.

She is now the new chancellor of the University of St Andrews in Scotland after an election contested by Dame Barbara Woodward, Lord Mark Sedwill and Lady Alex Walmsley.

She is the first woman to hold the office of Chancellor, the highest in the university, in over 600 years, and succeeds Lord Campbell of Pittenweem, who died last year.

Dame Anne, a St Andrews alumna, said: “It is the honor of my life to be elected Chancellor of St Andrews University.

“I would like to thank my nominators and supporters for their loyalty and belief in me.

“For more than six centuries St Andrews has championed curiosity and courage, tradition and innovation and scholarship in the service of society.

"As Chancellor, I will be an unwavering advocate for a university that is outward-looking, principled, and bold in its leadership, a place where talent is recognised wherever it is found and where ambition is matched by opportunity.

“St Andrews is defined not only by its history but by its people and a global community of alumni who carry its spirit into every discipline and every continent.

"I look forward to working closely with our students, staff and graduates, and with the Principal and her outstanding team to strengthen our global standing and secure our financial sustainability in an era of rapid change, fierce competition and profound social challenge.”

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of St Andrews, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, said she was “personally delighted” for Dame Anne and the university.

Dame Sally added: “She has been a steadfast supporter of St Andrews, and exemplified strong leadership through a period of significant change and challenge when she led University Court.

"She will be a brilliant Chancellor, and I am greatly looking forward to working with her again.

“I extend my warm thanks to the three excellent candidates who contested this election with Anne for their commitment to our university and willingness to serve.”

Born in Glasgow and educated at St Andrews where she gained an MA Hons in French and German in 1977, Anne Pringle was the first woman to serve as the UK’s Ambassador to Russia (2008-2011) and earlier as Ambassador to the Czech Republic (2001-2004).

She followed a diplomatic career with roles in leadership, governance, and public service across business, culture and academia, returning to St Andrews from 2016 to 2020 as Senior Governor of University Court.

Dame Anne personally funds scholarships for undergraduates and researchers at St Andrews, reflecting her belief that opportunity, creativity and learning should be accessible to all.

Over 7,000 graduates and senior staff of St Andrews registered to vote in the election. A total of 5,210 votes were cast (73.63% of registered voters) with none of these being invalid. The alternative vote system was used for the election.

In the third stage of voting Dame Anne Pringle secured 2643 votes and Lord Mark Sedwill 2215.

The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University and the position has existed since St Andrews’ foundation in the 15th century.