The recent recognition of Professor Sue Rigby with a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year Honours is a significant event for the UK higher education sector. This award, which honours services to higher education, underscores the impact of dedicated leadership in navigating the complex challenges facing tertiary education today. For students, academics, and prospective university leaders, understanding the career trajectory and influence of figures like Professor Rigby provides valuable insight into the qualities that drive institutional success and shape national education policy.
Professor Rigby’s CBE is not merely a personal accolade; it reflects a career dedicated to student development, quality assurance, and strategic innovation within the UK’s tertiary education landscape. Her leadership at Edinburgh Napier University, and previously at Bath Spa University and the University of Lincoln, demonstrates a consistent commitment to enhancing the student experience and fostering a robust research environment. As the sector continues to evolve, the principles guiding her work offer a clear blueprint for effective and impactful leadership.
From Bath Spa to Edinburgh Napier: A Trajectory of Impact
Professor Sue Rigby’s journey to the helm of Edinburgh Napier University is marked by progressive leadership roles focused on core academic missions. Before becoming Principal of ENU, she served as Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University from 2018. In that role, she was instrumental in steering the university through a period of growth and strategic realignment. Her earlier experience as Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Development at the University of Lincoln highlights a foundational commitment to the student lifecycle, from admission to graduate outcomes. This background is critical, as it grounds her strategic vision in the tangible needs of the student body.
Her appointment as Principal of Edinburgh Napier University in early 2025 placed her in charge of one of Scotland’s most dynamic and forward-thinking institutions. ENU is known for its professional focus and strong links to industry, and Professor Rigby’s leadership is poised to build on this reputation. Her first year has coincided with significant shifts in the higher education sector, including discussions on funding, international student recruitment, and the role of universities in regional economic development. Her ability to navigate these challenges is informed by a deep understanding of the sector’s mechanics and a clear vision for its future.
Contributions to National Higher Education Policy
Beyond her institutional responsibilities, Professor Rigby’s influence extends to the national stage. Her CBE specifically recognises her services to higher education, a testament to her active role in shaping policy and standards across the UK. Her recent appointment to the board of the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) is particularly noteworthy. The SFC is the primary public funder of tertiary education, research, and innovation in Scotland. In this capacity, Professor Rigby contributes to decisions that allocate resources and set priorities for the entire Scottish higher education system, ensuring that institutions like Edinburgh Napier can thrive and contribute to the national good.
Her commitment to quality and standards is further demonstrated through her role as a board member for the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA). The QAA is the independent body responsible for safeguarding standards and improving the quality of UK higher education. By contributing to its governance, Professor Rigby helps uphold the reputation and credibility of UK degrees, which is vital for both domestic and international students. This work ensures that a degree from a UK university remains a mark of excellence and rigour.
Championing Student Wellbeing and the Arts
Effective university leadership extends beyond finance and strategy; it requires a genuine commitment to student welfare and the broader cultural ecosystem. Professor Rigby’s portfolio of roles reflects this holistic approach. As Chair of Student Minds, the UK’s leading student mental health charity, she champions a cause of paramount importance in today’s academic environment. This position demonstrates a proactive commitment to creating supportive and resilient university communities, a key factor in student success and retention.
Furthermore, her leadership in the cultural sector as chair of two significant arts venues—one in Bristol and one on the Isle of Mull—illustrates a belief in the symbiotic relationship between universities and their communities. This engagement enriches the student experience, provides valuable research and collaboration opportunities, and reinforces the university’s role as a civic institution. For prospective students considering where to study, a university led by individuals who value both academic excellence and community engagement offers a more rounded and enriching environment.
Leading Through Sector-Wide Change
The UK higher education sector is currently navigating a period of unprecedented change. Factors such as evolving funding models, technological advancements, and changing student expectations require agile and visionary leadership. Professor Rigby’s work, particularly her leadership on culture for the West of England Combined Authority, shows an understanding that universities are key drivers of regional prosperity and innovation. Her expertise is being applied to ensure that institutions are not just surviving but are actively shaping the future of education and research in the UK.
Her fellowship with the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSE) further cements her standing among the UK’s most influential academics and thinkers. This fellowship provides a platform for collaborating with experts across all disciplines, fostering the interdisciplinary approach that is essential for solving complex global challenges. For anyone interested in the future of UK education, the work of leaders like Professor Rigby is a critical area to watch.
What This Means for Prospective Students and Staff
The recognition of a university’s leader with a national honour like a CBE is a strong indicator of institutional health and ambition. For prospective students, it signals that Edinburgh Napier University is led by a figure of national standing who is actively involved in shaping the future of higher education. This level of leadership ensures that the university’s curriculum, support services, and research activities are aligned with the highest national standards and future industry needs.
For academics and professionals, Professor Rigby’s career path offers an inspiring example of how to build a portfolio of influence that spans institutional leadership, national policy, and charitable work. Her focus on student development, quality assurance, and cultural engagement provides a model for aspiring leaders in the tertiary education sector. Her leadership at ENU suggests a university environment that values innovation, student success, and a strong connection to the wider world.
Ultimately, the honour bestowed upon Professor Sue Rigby is a reflection of the vital role that dedicated leaders play in the UK’s world-class higher education system. Her work at Edinburgh Napier University and on the national stage continues to reinforce the value and impact of universities for students, society, and the economy.
