Glasgow University announces new principal and vice-chancellor

Professor Andy Schofield will become the university’s 51st principal and vice-chancellor

3 months ago

The University of Glasgow has announced that Professor Andy Schofield will replace Sir Anton Muscatelli as the institutions principal and vice-chancellor.

In an email to staff and students, the University announced that Professor Schofield would take on the roles as of 1st October, 2025, after a four week handover in September 2025.

Sir Anton Muscatelli announced he would be leaving in April 2024, after 16 years as Glasgow University’s principal and vice-chancellor.

The principal is the chief executive of the university and is responsible for planning, administration, and overseeing the university’s day-to-day activities. At Glasgow, the principal is also made vice-chancellor, giving them the power to bestow degrees.

Muscatelli’s final Welcome Address (2024)

A theoretical physicist, Schofield has spent most of his life in academia. After graduating from a London independent day school, he studied natural sciences followed by a PhD at Cambridge, where he was later appointed a research fellowship.

He spent two years in the USA working at Rutgers University, before returning to Cambridge. In 1999, he moved to the University of Birmingham, rising through the ranks to become pro-vice-chancellor and head of the college of engineering. In 2020, he was appointed vice-chancellor of Lancaster University.

The university’s convener of court, Gavin Stewart, said: “I am delighted Professor Schofield will be joining the University as its 51st principal and vice-chancellor. Professor Schofield has an exceptional academic record, along with the strategic vision and extensive leadership experience required to open the next successful chapter in our long and distinguished history.”

Professor Schofield will be in office for the university’s 575th Anniversary 2026. As principal, he will be given the principal’s lodgings as official residence on university grounds.

Featured image via Pixabay and YouTube